Port Hedland iron ore export volume rose by 7% in September 2021 on continuing strong demand from key asian buyers.
Exports through the port to China rose by 7.5% to 38,623,546 tonnes despite the country’s government curbing steel output from November 2021 through March 2022 to meet clean air regulations. The figure represents a 2.8% year-on-year decline.
Japanese figures held relatively steady for September, while iron ore exports to South Korea rose by 10.8% to 3,937,535 tonnes.
Of interest was a massive increase in spodumene (lithium) exports through the port, with the September figure of 62,230 tonnes representing a 493% increase on the previous month, and a 134% year-on-year uptick. Chinese buyers accounted for 95% of volume.
Total copper concentrate export volume declined by 7% for the month, while manganese ore was down by 44%.
