Global iron ore exports fell by 6% m/m in November

The decline in supplies from Australia and Brazil was only partially offset by India and South Africa amid a weak global economy

In November 2025, global iron ore exports from key supplier countries showed negative dynamics amid a general slowdown in the global economy and weak demand from the steel industry. Total shipments from Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and India amounted to 117 million tons, down 6% from October (124.45 million tons). This was reported by BigMint.

Australia reduced its exports of iron ore and pellets to 73.7 million tons, down 10% month-on-month. Shipments to China fell to 63.2 million tons (-7.3% month-on-month), to Japan – 3.8 million tons, and to South Korea – 3.5 million tons. The largest exporters remained BHP with 25.2 million tons, Rio Tinto with 24.6 million tons (-19.3% month-on-month), and Fortescue with 17 million tons. The decline was due to slower ship turnover and maintenance at the ports of Port Hedland, Walcott, and Dampier.

Brazil exported 36.07 million tons of iron ore in November, down 2.7% month-on-month but up 5.5% year-on-year. China imported 26.12 million tons, Malaysia 1.57 million tons, and the Netherlands 0.93 million tons. Additional support for volumes was provided by the first ore shipments from the Simandou project, although purchases in Northeast Asia declined.

South Africa increased exports by 35% m/m – to 4.46 million tons, but the figure was 11.3% lower y/y. China received 1.3 million tons of raw materials, and the Netherlands received 0.35 million tons.

India increased its exports of ore and pellets by 27% month-on-month to 2.76 million tons, while year-on-year growth was 40.8%. China imported 1.79 million tons of raw materials, and Malaysia imported 0.11 million tons.

It should be noted that in 2024, global iron ore exports grew by 2% year-on-year to approximately 1.6 billion tons. Australia remains the largest exporter of this raw material (866 million tons, +1.4% year-on-year). Brazil ranks second (390 million tons, +2.6% year-on-year) and South Africa ranks third (61 million tons, +3.4% year-on-year).