Iron ore imports into Arab countries in 2009 decline by nearly 25pct

- 01 May 2010

Arab Steel reported that iron ore imports to Arab countries amounted to 17.662 tonnes during 2009 declining by 24.5% compared to 2008 when imports hit a record of 23.338 tonnes.

Saudi Arabia was the leading importer by 6 million tonnes with 34% of the overall imports, followed by Egypt by 4.583 million tonnes accounting for 26%. Bahrain came third with 3.89 million tonnes and accounted for 22%, followed by Qatar 1.679 million tonnes and Liby1.304 million tonnes. UAE imported 164.700 tonnes.

Brazil emerged as the largest iron ore exporter to Arab countries with 12.094 million tonnes and 86.63% of the overall Arab iron ore imports. Sweden is the second largest exporter of iron ore to Arab countries with 1.626 million tonnes accounting for 22.14% of the Arab imports, followed by Canada with 1.629 million tonnes and a share of 9.23% of the total Arab imports.

(Sourced from Arab Steel)