Iron ore inventory

 

Iron ore inventory at Chinese ports reflects the safety net and the imbalance between iron ore supply and steel mill demand. When inventory levels are high, they reflect possible overpurchases by importers, which may prompt importers to cut back on imports in order to lighten up inventory in the near future. On the other hand, when inventory levels are low, importers may engage in restocking, which will aid iron ore shipments.

 

Steel manufacturers drew more iron ore than was replenished

 

On August 9, iron ore inventory at Chinese ports stood at 68.9 million mt (metric tonnes), which is near the lows we’ve seen since 2009. The decline in inventory suggests steel manufacturers drew more than traders imported over the past few weeks—possibly suggesting that some steel producers have resumed production.

 

Inventory levels were falling, as importers tried to lighten up inventory, while China’s economy began to pick up pace mid-2012 due to economic stimulus. Before the decline, inventory levels had risen close to 100 million mt, as importers took advantage of falling commodity prices despite falling growth.

 

Inventory-to-production near five-year lows

 

Port inventory as a percentage of monthly crude steel production, which is the preferred indicator since it tells how much iron ore is readily available based on current output, is also near five-year lows of 100%. At the end of July, the figure was 108.57%—lower than June’s 110.56%.

 

Since the indicator has historically averaged ~150% and import’s share of iron ore supply in China has gradually increased from 2006, low inventory serves as a cushion for stable iron ore shipments if crude steel production falls from here. On the flip side, traders could import more iron ore, given appropriate prices, if steel production continues to grow at a stable rate.

 

Support and further upsides

 

The indicator will act as a support in weak economic conditions and show possible further upsides in iron ore shipments when economic growth is healthy. This bodes positive for DryShips Inc. (DRYS), Diana Shipping Inc. (DSX), Navios Maritime Partners LP (NMM), Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. (NM), and Safe Bulkers Inc.