Iran: Iron Ore Exports Down 30%; Pellet Exports Up 29% in Apr'19

According to the data maintained by SteelMint, Iran's iron ore exports via bulk shipments in first month of current Persian year (Apr'19) was recorded at 1.31 MnT, down 30% as against 1.88 MnT a month ago.

On yearly basis, the exports have depicted 36% rise as compared to Apr'18 exports at 0.96 MnT.

Iron ore pellet exports increased seven folds for the Persian year

Iran's pellet export increased to 2.78 MnT for the Iranian year (Apr'18-Mar'19), up almost seven folds against last Persian year. The increase was amid strong global demand and high pellet premiums witnessed during the year.

The total pellet exports for the month of Apr'19 recorded at 178,800 MT as against 139,000 MT a month ago.

A major pellet production plant has been launched in Kerman, Iran with production capacity of 2.5 MnT p.a.

According per sources report to SteelMint, India for the first time has booked pellet vessel from Iran. The vessed named “Magnum Force” carrying 53,860 MT pellets is expected to arrive at Kandla port shortly.SteelMint has learned from the sources that Gujarat based steel mills & materials have collectively booked the vessel and the material is learned to be of Fe 65% grade and deal is expected to have concluded at around INR 8,600-8,800/MT, CNF India.

Iranian iron ore exports to China down 30% M-o-M

China stood the largest and only importer of Iranian iron ore in Apr'19 at 1.31 MnT, down 30% on monthly basis as against 1.88 MnT a month ago. Iranian exports of iron ore to India marked nil for fifth consecutive month in Apr'19 as it was last witnessed in Nov'18 at 0.05 MnT.

Iran iron ore concentrate production up 17% Y-o-Y

As per Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), iron ore concentrate production in its recently released production figure for the fiscal year ended Mar'19 depicted at 45.48 MnT, up 17% on yearly basis.

Iran's total crude steel production for Jan-Feb'19 stood at 4.24 MnT up by 8% against 3.94 MnT in same period previous year – as per World Steel Association (WSA).