South Africa Pig Iron Exports Plummet 67%, Feb’18

South Africa pig iron exports decline by around 15,800 MT (66.66%) M-o-M & 22,600 MT (75%) Y-o-Y in February’18, according to the customs.

The nation has exported about 13,722 MT pig iron during February’18 against 29,519 MT in January’18. United States (9,400 MT) remains the largest importer in Feb’18, inline Australia second topped the list with 1,774 MT of imports from the nation .

Coming to total exports in CY18 (Jan-Feb) it has been registered at 43,250 MT, plunged by 41.72% against 74,213 MT in the same period during 2017. On yearly calculation, the country exported around 544,283 MT in CY17 & at 312,375 MT in CY16

Country-wise South African Pig iron exports

-- USA, the largest importer of South African Pig iron has imported 141,374 MT Pig iron in FY18 (Apr-Feb) against 77,536 MT in FY17 (Apr-Feb). In Feb’18, the country exported 13,600 MT Pig iron against 13,742 MT Pig iron to USA in Feb’17.

-- Italy, the second largest Pig iron exporter to South Africa has exported 58,021 MT in FY18 (Apr-Feb) against 34,223 MT in FY17 (Apr-Feb).

-- Netherlands, the third largest Pig iron importer of South African Pig iron has imported 53,014 MT Pig iron in FY18 (Apr-Feb) against 45,215 MT in FY17 (Apr-Feb). However in Feb’18 & Feb’17, the country pig iron exports to Netherlands remains nil.

Market Updates

1. In Feb’17, India emerged as the largest importer of ferrous scrap from South Africa with 16,402 MT. While, Pakistan imported around 9261 MT in the month

2. The global export offers of steel grade Pig Iron are assessed at USD 385-390/MT FoB Brazil & USD 385-395/MT FoB India.

3. South African coal export has decline 3.35% M-o-M to 6.35 MnT in Feb’18 against 6.57 MnT in Jan'18. South African RB2 (5500 NAR) coal offers are assessed at USD 79/MT on FoB basis & USD 93/MT CNF India.

4. Presently, export offers of iron ore lumps, Fe 64%, South Africa are at USD 84/MT CNF India.