The world's largest iron ore producer and exporter Brazil-based Vale has said that its sales to Japan have not been affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami.
According to available information, the impact on Japanese steelmakers has been limited, despite the magnitude of the natural events, and most of them have resumed operations.
In 2010, Vale's shipments of iron ore and pellets to Japan amounted to 30.8 million mt, equivalent to 10.5 percent of the total amount sold by the company.
Today Vale has 56 ships waiting to be loaded at its ports, nine of which are destined for Japan.
"Vale continues to conduct its activities in Japan and is taking all possible measures to contribute to minimize the impacts of the earthquake and tsunami that the country has suffered," said the company in its statement.