Bulk Shipping Watch Newsletter – August 2026

Iron Ore & Steel

China state iron ore buyer has supply deal with Anglo American, sources say

Source: Minging

China’s state iron ore buyer reached an agreement with Anglo American AAL.L in April over an annual supply contract for the key steelmaking ingredient, three sources with knowledge of the matter said on Friday. FULL STORY

CMRG tells some steel mills to halt talks with Rio Tinto, sources say

Source: Mining

China’s state iron ore buyer has directed some steel mills to halt negotiations with Rio Tinto (ASX, LON: RIO) for shipments from September, two sources with knowledge of the matter said, escalating pressure on the world’s top iron ore producer during annual supply talks. FULL STORY

Sinomine wins additional Zimbabwe Lithium export quota

Source: Energy News

Sinomine Resource Group announced that it had secured an export quota of ‘another 300,000 metric tonnes of ‘lithium -concentrate’ from Zimbabwe. FULL STORY

Russell: Divergent demand factors are driving China’s steel production

Source: Energy News

The fact that China’s steel production dropped to its lowest level this year in July supports the idea that the world’s second largest economy struggles for growth momentum. FULL STORY

WEEKLY: Aust., Brazilian iron ore shipments rebound 7.6% WoW

Source: Mysteel

After a short-lived dip in the previous week, the total volume of iron ore dispatched to global destinations from the 20 ports and 17 mining companies in Australia and Brazil rebounded by 2 million tonnes or 7.6% on week to reach 27.8 million tonnes during August 24-30, with the shipments increasing from both countries, according to Mysteel’s tracking. FULL STORY

MONTHLY: China’s import iron ore prices to strengthen in Sept

Source: Mysteel

Although fundamentals in China’s imported iron ore market are set to soften in September amid seasonally strong shipments, prices of the key steelmaking raw material are still expected to increase, supported by improving steel demand and likely pre-holiday stockpiling by steel mills, according to Mysteel’s latest monthly report on the commodity. FULL STORY

WEEKLY: China miners’ iron ore output, stocks both rise

Source: Mysteel

After a temporary retreat in the previous week, production of iron ore concentrates among Chinese mining companies rebounded again during August 21-27, with mine-side inventories rising in parallel, Mysteel’s survey showed. FULL STORY

Steel sector makes strides in profitability

Source: China Daily

China’s steel industry is stepping up efforts to establish a practical self-regulatory framework aimed at enhancing profitability and improving operational quality through a more regulated production mechanism. FULL STORY

WEEKLY: China’s iron ore port stocks largely stable

Source: Mysteel

Inventories of imported iron ore stockpiled at China’s 47 major ports stood at 173.75 million tonnes by August 27, up by a marginal 146,300 tonnes or 0.1% from the previous week. Compared with the year-ago level, the stocks remained 20.8% higher. FULL STORY

China inaugurates new supply base for iron ore in Jiangsu

Source: Mysteel

In a move expected to strengthen regional trading and logistics for iron ore in East China, a new ore supply and processing plant officially started operations on August 21 in Zhenjiang in Jiangsu province, according to a local official media release. FULL STORY

NBS: China’s Jan-July ROM iron ore output falls 9% YoY

Source: Mysteel

China’s run-of-mine (ROM) iron ore production totaled 536.1 million tonnes in the first seven months of this year, down by 8.7% from the same period in 2025, according to the latest statistics from the country’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). FULL STORY

Brazil’s iron ore exports retreat in July on weaker Chinese demand

Source: Mysteel

Brazil, the world’s second-largest iron ore exporter after Australia, shipped 37.8 million tonnes of the commodity in July, according to preliminary statistics from Comex Stat, a data platform tracking Brazil’s foreign trade in goods. The volume represented a 10.1% decline from June — when exports hit a record high — and a 7.4% fall on year. FULL STORY

Iron ore shipments to China via Port Hedland slump 16% MoM in July

Source: Mysteel

Iron ore shipments to China via Port Hedland — Western Australia’s largest bulk export terminal — dropped sharply in July, falling by a marked 7.3 million tonnes or 16.1% on month to register 37.9 million tonnes, according to data released by the Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA). FULL STORY

SimFer ships 2.2 mln t iron ore to China from Simandou in H1 2026

Source: Mysteel

SimFer, the joint venture between the Government of Guinea, Rio Tinto and the Chinalco-led Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH) consortium, has reported continued operational progress at the Simandou iron ore project, with its total iron ore shipments to China reaching 2.2 million tonnes in the first half of 2026. FULL STORY

GACC: China’s iron ore imports in Jan-Jul rise 6% YoY

Source: Mysteel

China imported a total of 736.84 million tonnes of iron ore during January-July this year, up 5.9% compared with the same period last year, the latest statistics released by the country’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) published on August 7 show. FULL STORY

SunSirs: China’s Steel Export Data for July 2026 Released

Source: Sunsirs

The latest data from the General Administration of Customs shows that in July 2026, China exported 6.02 million tonnes of steel plates and sheets, down 1.8% year-on-year; the cumulative export volume for the January-July period was 38.26 million tonnes, a year-on-year decrease of 9.9%. In July, China exported 1.92 million tonnes of steel bars, up 20.9% year-on-year; the cumulative export volume for January-July was 11.93 million tonnes, up 12.3% year-on-year. In July, China exported 660,000 tonnes of angle steel and sections, up 0.4% year-on-year; the cumulative export volume for January-July was 4.58 million tonnes, up 4.9% year-on-year. In July, China exported 240,000 tonnes of steel wire rod, down 3.2% year-on-year; the cumulative export volume for January-July was 1.60 million tonnes, down 5.2% year-on-year. FULL STORY

    Coal

    China’s coal production in July falls to levels seen during the pandemic era after a deadly accident

    Source: World Energy News

    China’s coal production in July fell to levels seen during the pandemic, according to data released by the statistics bureau on Monday. The drop was due to a heightened safety check after a fatal mining accident. FULL STORY

    China coal-fired generation to remain significant for the foreseeable future

    Source: The Coal Hub

    China coal-fired generation will remain a significant component of the country’s energy system for the foreseeable future, even as renewable power expands at an unprecedented pace. FULL STORY

    Russian coal exports to China drop 14.8% in Jan-Jul 2026

    Source: The Coal Hub

    Russian coal exports to China continued to weaken in Jan-Jul 2026 as logistics costs, sanctions pressure and stronger competition from other suppliers reduced Russia’s market share. FULL STORY

    Russian rail coal exports to China plunge 23.7% in Jan-Jul 2026

    Source: The Coal Hub

    Russian coal exports to China by rail declined sharply in Jan-Jul 2026 as weaker demand, domestic competition and weather-related disruption weighed on trade. FULL STORY

    China thermal coal imports remain constrained despite strong power demand

    Source: The Coal Hub

    China thermal coal demand continues to be supported by rising electricity consumption, but strong domestic production and rapid renewable growth are limiting the need for additional seaborne supply. FULL STORY

    China coal power capacity continues to expand despite tighter approvals

    Source: The Coal Hub

    China coal power capacity continued to expand during the first half of 2026, with 30 GW of new coal-fired generation entering operation despite tighter scrutiny of new project approvals. FULL STORY

    DAILY: China’s top coking coal producer announces fresh mine restarts

    Source: Mysteel

    Shanxi Coking Coal Energy Group, Co., Ltd., the major listed arm of China’s leading coking coal miner Shanxi Coking Coal Group Co., Ltd., newly announced production resumptions at three coking coal mines under its control during a results briefing held on August 28. FULL STORY

    NBS: China coal mining, washing industry profits surge 50% YoY in January-July

    Source: Mysteel

    The combined profit of major enterprises in China’s coal mining and washing sector reached Yuan 250.85 billion ($36.9 billion) during the first seven months of 2026, rising by 50.4% on year, according to data issued by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on August 27. FULL STORY

    NDRC: China’s summer power load hits record, coal still reigns despite falling share

    Source: Mysteel

    China’s summer power-supply peak is winding down, with the national grid weathering soaring demand that has hit four all-time load records, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said at its August press conference on Friday. FULL STORY

    GACC: Supply fears boost China’s July coking coal imports 42% higher YoY

    Source: Mysteel

    China’s coking coal imports climbed another 11.8% on month to 13.62 million tonnes in July, notching the second-highest monthly volume on record. The figure also surged 41.7% from a year earlier, according to the General Administration of Customs (GACC). FULL STORY

    GACC: China’s July thermal coal imports jump 11% YoY

    Source: Mysteel

    China’s thermal coal imports slipped 5.3% from June to 27.97 million tonnes in July but were still 11.1% above the year-earlier level, according to data from the General Administration of Customs (GACC) published on August 21.FULL STORY

    Grain

    Soybean trade drives China-US farm ties

    Source: China Daily

    Soybeans, carried as ballast on the return voyage from Asia to America some 200 years ago, have become a ballast of China-US agricultural trade. FULL STORY

    COFCO ships Brazilian sorghum to China

    Source: World Grain

    COFCO International loaded its first large-scale shipment of Brazilian sorghum to China at its STS11 terminal in the Port of Santos and received final phytosanitary clearance from Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. FULL STORY

    China deal with US gains soybean traction

    Source: World Grain

    In May, US President Donald Trump announced a $17 billion agricultural deal with China that featured new commitments to purchase US farm commodities, including a target of 25 million tonnes of soybeans annually. FULL STORY

    SunSirs: China Corn Imports Surge Year-on-Year in July

    Source: Sunsirs

    The latest data from the General Administration of Customs shows that China’s imports of corn and corn flour totaled 350,000 tonnes in July 2026, a year-on-year increase of 527.3%. For the period of January to July 2026, cumulative imports reached 1.36 million tonnes, up 61.3% year-on-year. FULL STORY

    China’s soybean imports decline in July

    Source: OFI Magazine

    Chinese imports of soyabeans eased in July from record levels the previous month, according to General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) data reported on 24 August by commodity price reporting agency Fastmarkets. FULL STORY

    SunSirs: China’s Wheat Procurement Exceeds 90 Million Tons

    Source: Sunsirs

    China’s peak season for summer grain procurement is in full swing. The latest data from the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration shows that grain enterprises nationwide have purchased a cumulative total of over 90 million tons of wheat, while early-season *indica* rice from southern regions has begun to hit the market in large volumes. Procurement operations are proceeding in an orderly manner across the country, with overall progress running smoothly. FULL STORY

    Rising vegetable oil stocks in China put pressure on prices

    Source: Ukr Agro Consult

    Commercial inventories of China’s three major vegetable oils continue to rise, putting pressure on domestic spot and futures prices. As of August 21, combined stocks reached 2.55 mln tons, according to China’s National Grain and Material Reserve Data Center. FULL STORY

    China increases palm oil imports from Indonesia by 31%

    Source: Ukr Agro Consult

    China significantly increased its purchases of Indonesian palm oil in 2026. According to the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), shipments to the Chinese market rose by 31% year-on-year in the first half of the year. In June alone, exports to China jumped 67% compared with May. FULL STORY

    China more than doubles US soybean imports in July

    Source: Ukr Agro Consult

    China imported 1.11 mln tons of US soybeans in July 2026, up 164% from 420.9 thsd tons in the same month last year. The sharp increase reflects the continued arrival of cargoes purchased after Beijing resumed buying US soybeans in late 2025, according to Chinese customs data. FULL STORY

    Brazil expects record soybean exports to China

    Source: Ukr Agro Consult

    China imported a record 13.55 mln tons of soybeans in June 2026, marking the highest June volume ever recorded. According to customs data, imports were up 10.5% from June 2025 and nearly 15% higher than in May. The increase was driven by Brazil’s record soybean harvest and the clearance of shipments that had previously been delayed at Chinese ports. FULL STORY

    Exclusive: Brazilian soybean industry expects historically high export volumes to China: association

    Source: Global Times

    China continues to be the leading destination for Brazilian soybeans, and the Brazilian soybean industry wants to further deepen this relationship, expecting historically high volumes in the coming months, Lucas Beber, President of the Brazilian Association of Soybean Growers (Aprosoja Brasil), told the Global Times on Friday. FULL STORY

    China’s soybean imports exceed 10 mln tons in July as stocks hit a 10-year high

    Source: Ukr Agro Consult China imported about 10.64 mln tons of soybeans in July 2026, while August imports are expected to reach 10.5 mln tons. According to SunSirs, the strong inflow has pushed soybean inventories at Chinese ports to their highest level for this time of year in a decade, creating an abundant supply of raw materials. FULL STORY

    Energy

    Officials say that some Chinese and Russian oil companies lose out under the US-Venezuela deal

    Source: World Energy News

    Two U.S. officials have confirmed that the U.S. company North American Blue Energy Partners is taking over some oilfields controlled by five Chinese firms and a Russian firm on Monday. FULL STORY

    Energy partnership sees notable progress

    Source: China Daily

    Energy cooperation between China and other Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economies has made significant strides across traditional energy, renewable power and infrastructure, playing an increasingly crucial role in stabilizing regional supply chains and driving sustainable growth, according to a recently released think tank report. FULL STORY

    Sinopec, a Chinese refiner, will increase oil imports outside of the Gulf

    Source: World Energy News

    Sinopec, the Chinese oil refiner, will source more of its ‘oil’ from Brazil, Africa, and other countries to combat supply disruptions caused by Middle East conflict. This was announced on Monday after announcing Sunday’s interim results. FULL STORY

    Traders and trackers say Sinopec increases Russian oil imports in order to offset Mideast supply reductions

    Source: Energy News

    According to multiple trade sources and ship tracking information, China’s state owned?Sinopec Corp., the world’s largest refiner, increased purchases of Far East Russian Oil to compensate for Middle East oil supplies that were reduced by the Iran War. FULL STORY

    PipeChina launches key crude oil pipeline in East China to boost energy security

    Source: China Daily

    The Lianyungang-Huai’an section of a major crude oil pipeline officially began operations on Thursday, marking the first 10-million-ton-class crude pipeline commissioned during China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, according to the China Oil & Gas Pipeline Network Corp, also known as PipeChina.FULL STORY

    China to expand long-distance oil, gas pipeline network to 220,000 km by 2030

    Source: China Daily

    China aims to raise its domestic oil and gas supply to 440 million metric tons of oil equivalent by 2030, as part of a sweeping blueprint to bolster national energy security and optimize its infrastructure network, according to a newly released government plan.FULL STORY

    China, Canada see new scope for green ties

    Source: China Daily

    Improving relations between Canada and China could open new opportunities for clean energy cooperation, with businesses and experts highlighting electric vehicles, energy storage and critical minerals as areas where the two countries’ strengths could complement each other. FULL STORY

    China’s oil throughput in July is the first to rise month-on-month since the Iran War

    Source: World Energy News

    China’s oil throughput in July?fell by 15.8% year-onyear, but showed a slight recovery compared to June. This is the first month-onmonth increase since the?Iran war, according to?data released on Monday by the National Bureau of Statistics.FULL STORY