SMM

[SMM Monthly Shipping Data: Global Shipments and Port Arrivals Increased Simultaneously in December] SMM reported that the global iron ore shipment volume in December reached 146.55 million mt, up 5% MoM. Among the countries with significant increases, South Africa rose by 8.8% MoM, while Australia saw a 3.2% MoM increase. Brazil's total shipment volume, however, decreased slightly by 4.5% MoM. On a YoY basis, all countries except South Africa experienced declines. SMM also noted that China's total iron ore port arrivals in December amounted to 113.94 million mt, up 8.6% MoM and 7.9% YoY. Among them, the port arrivals at the two main ports in Shandong both declined. In Hebei, Caofeidian Port saw a decrease in port arrivals, while Jingtang Port recorded a significant increase.