Global iron ore exports by major supplying countries increased slightly in January-September 2025, despite a downward trend in global steel production. Global iron ore exports rose just 0.25 percent year-on-year to 1.2 million tonnes over the period, according to the latest data from BigMint.
Global crude steel production fell marginally by 1.6 percent year-on-year to 1.4 million tonnes in January-September 2025. However, iron ore exports were held back by relatively stable supplies from China, which accounts for about 75 percent of global seaborne trade in the commodity.
Australia saw a slight decline in volumes among top exporters, while Indian shipments fell sharply year-on-year. However, Brazil and South Africa saw export growth.
China's imports remain stable:China's iron ore imports totaled 917.7 million tonnes in January-September, a slight decline of 0.06 percent, while steel production fell 2.9 percent year-on-year during the period. The stable performance underscores how strong global supply and resilient plant operations offset weak domestic demand and political controls on production.
Major producers in Australia and Brazil maintained elevated export levels, benefiting from prices that have held above US$100 a tonne since July. Seasonal demand expectations have helped Chinese factories replenish inventories ahead of the traditional autumn construction period, supported by higher margins and a moderate recovery in infrastructure orders. Trade tensions between the US and China and tightened export controls have led to a rush to stockpile as a precaution. In addition, Chinese steel exports also remained strong - increasing, for example, by almost 9.2 percent year on year over the period.
Australia's exports fell slightly:Australian iron ore export volumes were recorded at around 645 million tonnes during the period under review, a slight decline of 0.1 percent year on year. Major mining companies reported falling supplies, especially in the third quarter. BHP's iron ore sales fell 8 percent quarter-on-quarter to 70.6 million tonnes in the third quarter of 2025, down from 76.7 million tonnes in the second quarter.
