Iron Ore Exports Remain Firm in April, Impacting Prices

Since the main seaborne iron ore exporters are from Australia or Brazil (EWZ), it’s imperative for iron ore investors to track these countries’ iron ore exports, which serve as a key supply-side indicator. According to the Pilbara Ports Authority, iron ore exports rose just 0.7% YoY (year-over-year) to ~42.6 million tons in April. Sequentially, imports rose 1.2%. Port Hedland, Australia’s largest iron ore loading port, is used by major miners BHP (BHP), Hancock Prospecting, and Fortescue Metals (FSUGY). Rio Tinto (RIO), on the other hand, uses Port Dampier. ...