Iron ore exports from Port Hedland fell heavily in July

Iron ore export volumes from Port Hedland -- the world’s largest iron ore loading terminal -- fell heavily in July, according to data released by the Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) today.

In July, exports totalled 37.883 million tonnes, down by 5.2 million tonnes, or 12%, from the levels of a month earlier. That was the lowest monthly total since February this year.

It was also down 2.2% on the levels shipped in July 2016.

Over the past 12 months, total iron ore exports stood at 493.77 million tonnes, down fractionally on the record high level of 494.6 million tonnes shipped in the year to June.

Exports to China fell to 32 million tonnes, down from 36.6 million tonnes in June.

From a year earlier that represented a decline of 1.6%.

Port Hedland handles ore produced by Fortescue Metals, BHP Billiton and Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting.

The latest shipping data coincided with the release of Chinese trade data for July, including iron ore import volumes which fell to 85.74 million tonnes, down from from 94.7 million tonnes in June.

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