Mineral export continues regardless strict lockdown
Since the start of strict COVID-19 lockdown measures, from November 10 to 23, the volume of minerals exported by rail has declined year-on-year. However, imports of petroleum products have risen sharply. Exports of copper concentrate by rail decreased by 4.3 percent compared to the same period in 2019. According to the Customs General Administration, exports of zinc concentrate were 2.5 times lower, and coal export fell by 9.3 percent. In addition, oil exports fell by 33 percent to 16,700 barrels.
Exports of iron ore and concentrate increased by 19 percent to 324,800 tons. Exports of fluorspar to Russia and China decreased by 13 percent year-on-year to 28,800 tons.
From November 10 to 23, imports of petroleum products by rail doubled compared to the same period last year, reaching 106,000 tons. Rail freight has continued during the lockdown, although more than 400 railway workers have been quarantined due to the COVID-19 outbreak linked to a railway workers event.
