Port Hedland Iron Ore

Port Hedland July iron ore exports slide by 12% on broad weakening demand

Total iron ore exports from Port Hedland reported a 12% month-on-month decline in July 2021, on the back of weakened demand from all major trading partners.

China remained as the top consumer, importing 87% of Port Hedland’s total iron ore exports of 44.3 million tonnes for July, according to the latest data on Cargo Stats by Destinations from Port of Port Hedland.

Port Hedland Export Data - July 2021. Data source: Pilbara Ports Authority
Port Hedland Export Data – July 2021. Data source: Pilbara Ports Authority

China

China imported 38.6 million tonnes of iron ore in July 2021 via Port Hedland, an 8% decrease compared to June 2021 data of 42 million tonnes and a 1.2% increase year-over-year compared to the 38.1 million tonnes in July 2020.

Republic of Korea

With an import of 2.8 million tonnes of iron ore in July 2021 via Port Hedland, the Republic of Korea’s imports declined by 29% compared to 3.97 million tonnes in June 2021. Imports were down by 12.4% when compared to July 2020 data of 3.21 million tonnes.

Japan

The Japanese import of Iron Ore for July 2021 from Port Hedland declined by more than 28% to 1.74 million tonnes compared to June 2021 data of 2.42 million tonnes. However, exports for July 2021 were up 71% year-over-year when compared to July 2020 figures of 1.01 million tonnes.

Indonesia

Iron ore exports to Indonesia for July 2021 reported a sizeable 78.6% decline to 0.19 million tonnes compared to June 2021 data of 0.9 million tonnes. The country, which accounted for just 0.4% of total July iron ore export, recorded a 55% decrease year-over-year compared to July 2020.

Taiwan

Taiwan, Province of China, imported 0.599 million tonnes of iron ore via Port Hedland, accounting for 1.4% of total volume. Volume roughly doubled year-over-year compared to July 2020, but declined by 33% month-on-month compared to June 2021.

Other countries

Viet Nam’s share of Port Hedland iron ore exports stood at 0.347 million tonnes, a significant increase of 102% compared to June 2021.

Written By Jonathan Norris
Jonathan is a founder of Mining.com.au and has been covering the resources industry since 2018. With over 17 years experience in print, broadcast and online media, Jonathan has seen first hand the transformative effect of online niche media.