The sharp increase was driven by an increase in the number of orders in China, improved ship availability, and the fulfillment of previously delayed shipments after reduced shipping disruptions. March volumes also remained relatively weak due to a slowdown in Chinese consumer activity due to the Lunar New Year, which reinforced April's growth compared to the previous month.
However, although iron ore exports recovered strongly, pellet shipments continued to remain low amid weak deal closures, persistent price gaps, and cautious buyer sentiment.
Orders in China support export recovery
Exports to China increased sharply from 1.14 million tons in March to 1.81 million tons in April, helped by restocking after the holidays and improved purchasing activities of enterprises ahead of Labor Day holidays.
Chinese factories increased spot orders amid falling port stocks, helped by relatively stable prices for Fe 61% on fines of $107-108/ton CFR China. A slight improvement in blast furnace operation also helped to restore demand.
Mysteel's tracking of 247 Chinese steelmaking plants showed that the average daily output of pig iron increased by 5.2 percent million tons in April to 2.39 million tons per day, indicating stable consumption of raw materials.
At the same time, iron ore stocks at 34 major Chinese ports dropped to about 160 million tonnes, the lowest since mid-January, supporting spot orders despite still high overall inventory levels.
Improvement of logistics assistance delivery
Export activity also improved as ship availability returned to normal following the easing of disruptions related to U.
S.-Iran tensions, which had previously tightened freight rates and ship availability and delayed shipments.
As logistics conditions improved, exporters were able to fulfill deferred shipments and conclude new spot deals for April lacs, increasing shipments during the month.
Azovpromstal®
14 May 2026 г. 16:00
