Rio Tinto, the world's largest iron ore producer, expects to ship 340 million tons of the metal for steel in 2021.

  Rio Tinto said in a statement on Tuesday that the total shipment volume of its iron ore business in Australia's Pilbara region increased by 1% in 2020 to 303.6 million tons, which is within the guidance range of 324 million to 334 million tons of the company.

  Rio Tinto expects to ship 325-340 million tons in 2021, compared with the median forecast of 332.2 million tons by the three analysts.

  COVID-19 pandemic still impacts many regions in the world, but the demand for Japan, South Korea and Europe is also rising, according to the statement.

  Iron ore futures prices have risen more than 70% in the past year as supply constraints and stimulus from China, the largest user, have boosted demand. Goldman Sachs said global markets may remain tight this quarter, vulnerable to weather related supply disruptions, and expected a "significant supply gap" in the first half of 2021.