According to statistics released by Japan's Ministry of Finance, Japan's iron ore imports totaled 12.09 million metric tons in July this year, rising by 16.2 percent month on month and up 20 percent compared to July 2012.
Japan's iron ore imports amounted to 78.54 million metric tons in the first seven months of 2013, increasing by 3.06 percent year on year.
In July this year, Japan's iron ore imports from Australia rose by 18 percent to 7.79 million metric tons, while Brazil exported 3.09 million mt of iron ore to Japan, increasing by 10.5 percent, both year on year.