Brazil's iron ore exports (excluding pellets) decreased slightly in February from January levels, with a total of 26.262 million metric tons (metric tons) of iron ore recorded, compared with 26.519 million tons recorded in January, representing a decrease of less than 1 percent, according to data The Brazilian Foreign Trade Secretariat (SECEX), which is part of the country's Ministry of Industry, Development and Foreign Trade.
On the other hand, pellets jumped almost 11 percent to 2.222 million tons, compared with 2.006 million tons exported in January, SECEX reported.
SECEX reported that iron ore exports totaling 20.770 million tons were destined for Asia, of which 17.180 million Tons were shipped to China, and 2.237 million tons were delivered to the Middle East. Europe received 1.666 million tons, South America received 642,400 tons, Africa received 543,500 tons, Mexico received 380,800 tons, and the United States imported a total of 22,500 tons.
Exports of pellets destined for Asia amounted to 664,900 tons, Africa - 480,500 tons. tons, the United States - 337,200 tons, Trinidad and Tobago - 198,000 tons, the United Arab Emirates - 196,600 tons, Argentina - 175,200 tons, and in Europe - 170,500 tons, SECEX reports.
Exports of iron ore to China have fallen in recent months, falling by more than 39 percent from 28.203 million tons in December to 20.259 million tons in January. This trend reflects the active strategy of Chinese steel producers regarding scheduled maintenance shutdowns of local blast furnaces.
