Iron ore exports to China in 2008-09 are expected to be much lower than 104.27 million tonnes exported during 2007-08. Chinese demand started declining in February and spot orders from that country have dried up.
Over 85 per cent of the iron ore production is exported to China.
Shipments from the Bellary-Hospet iron ore zone declined sharply with no major export orders reported so far this month. Only orders already obtained are being executed.
From Goa also, exports are expected to halve to about 3 million tonnes this month, as against 6 million tonnes exported in the corresponding month of 2008.