Port Hedland's iron ore exports rose in August 2026 from both a year earlier and the previous month, with more than 80% of the total destined for China.

Iron ore exports from Port Hedland, the largest iron ore export hub in Western Australia, totaled 46.60 million tonnes in August 2026, up 5.16% year on year and 5.38% from the previous month, according to the latest data from the Pilbara Ports Authority.

Exports to China stood at 38.00 million tonnes in August, down 1.78% year on year but up 0.38% month on month, accounting for 82% of the port's total iron ore exports.

In January-August 2026, Port Hedland shipped a cumulative 375 million tonnes of iron ore, down 0.75% from the same period a year earlier. Exports to China totaled 318 million tonnes, down 2.18% year on year, representing 85% of the port's total iron ore exports.