Brazil’s iron ore exports totaled about 25.77 million tons in March, down from 26.26 million tons in February, according to Secex data. The 1.9% decline was mainly due to holidays and blast furnace maintenance.

Asia remained the main destination with around 22.73 million tons, including 19.47 million tons to China. Other destinations included Europe (about 1.68 million), South America (about 667,000 tons), Africa (about 364,000 tons), and the Middle East (about 175,000 tons). Meanwhile, Brazil’s pellet exports fell 2.6% month-on-month to 2.165 million tons. Key markets included Asia, Egypt, Europe, Argentina, the US, and Trinidad and Tobago.