Dry Bulk Market: China’s Iron Ore Demand Stronger in 2026 in Dry Bulk Market , Hellenic Shipping News 20/06/2026 C hina’s iron ore imports so far in 2026 have been on the rise compared to last year. In its latest weekly report, shipbroker Banchero Costa said that “2025 was another positive year for global seaborne iron ore trade. In Jan-Dec 2025, global loadings of iron ore increased by +3.5% y-o-y to 1,732.0 mln tonnes, based on AXS Marine vessel tracking data. 2026 has begun on a firm note, with export volumes up by +3.8% y-o-y in Jan-May 2026 to 692.2 mln tonnes. Exports from Australia increased in Jan-May 2026 by +3.8% y-o-y to 386.1 mln tonnes. From Brazil, exports increased by +3.7% y-o-y in Jan-May 2026 to 149.2 mln t. From South Africa volumes increased +4.7% y-o-y to 23.0 mln t. From Canada there was a -10.6% yo-y decline to 21.3 mln tonnes. India saw an increase of +0.8% y-o-y in Jan-May 2026 to 12.9 mln t. From Norway exports rebounded by +11.6% y-o-y to 9.1 mln t”. Source: Banchero Costa According to Banchero Costa, “demand is still driven primarily by Mainland China, which accounts for 75% of imports. Iron ore imports into China increased by +7.1% y-o-y in Jan-May 2026 to 528.0 mln tonnes. Imports into Japan declined by -5.1% y-o-y to 37.5 mln t. Volumes into South Korea increased by +4.3% y-o-y to 30.9 mln t. To the EU, imports declined by -2.3% y-o-y to 29.1 mln t. To Vietnam volumes were up +8.3% y-o-y to 10.9 mln t. Imports into Malaysia increased by +6.9% y-o-y to 10.8 mln tonnes. To Oman, volumes were down -34.0% y-o-y to 3.7 mln t, to Saudi Arabia down by -51.1% y-o-y to 2.2 mln t, to Bahrain -62.8% y-o-y to 1.8 mln t. Mainland China is by far the largest importer of iron ore in the world”. The shipbroker added that “China accounted for 75.3% of global iron ore imports in Jan-May 2026. Imports into China have increased +4.1% y-o-y in Jan-Dec 2024 to 1250.4 mln tonnes. They have further increased by +1.5% y-o-y in Jan-Dec 2025 to 1714.7 mln t, whi