【Ferro-alloys.com】: Iron-ore shipments from the largest bulk-export terminal set a record for the month of May, putting flows at the biggest year-to-date volumes even after weather issues curbed exports earlier in 2025.

Exports from Port Hedland increased to 53.1-million tons last month, up 13.7% from April, according to Pilbara Ports Authority data. Year-to-date cargoes expanded to 233.4-million tons, the highest in data going back to 2010, Bloomberg calculations showed.

The increase in shipments comes after the port, which is a major export hub to China, was forced to temporarily close during the first quarter after the region was hit by the strongest cyclone in years. The Port Hedland complex in Western Australia handles cargoes for producers including BHP Group and Fortescue, and its operations are a useful proxy for nationwide flows.

Port Hedland’s figures are in line with projections from the Australian government, which predicts nationwide exports will increase to 908 million tons in 2025, although export values are expected to fall as prices drop. The world’s second-biggest iron ore producer, Brazil, also saw a rise in shipments May, sending out 35.1 million tons, according to customs data.

Iron ore fell 0.4% to $93.40 a ton at 1:34 p.m. in Singapore. Futures have shed about 9% over the past 12 months.

• [Editor:Alakay]