Australia’s iron ore exports hit a new record of 34 million tonne in May 2009 some 3.2 million tonne higher than the previous record set in July 2008.

The May total was up by 4.9 million tonne over April and up by 4.4 million tonne year over year. A record 27.3 million tonne or 80% of the May total, was shipped to China, with year to date exports to China running some 51% higher year over year.

Meanwhile total Australian coal exports in May of 22.5 million tonne were up by 2 million tonne over the previous month and up by 0.8 million tonne year over year. This was also due to increased shipments to China, where May exports of 5.9 million tonne compared with 3.4 million tonne in the previous month and just 0.1 million tonne in May 2008.

(Sourced from www.ssyonline.com)