Cyclone Zelia Shuts Down Australian Iron Ore Exports

Australia's largest iron ore export hub braces for Cyclone Zelia, a category five storm. The cyclone has forced the closure of major ports and prompted residents to stockpile essentials. The weather system could bring winds of 320 kph and heavy rain to the Pilbara region.

Australia's iron ore export hub is on high alert as Cyclone Zelia, a category five storm, approaches the northwest coast, forcing the closure of major commodity ports. Residents have been advised to stock up on essential supplies as the storm makes landfall on Friday evening.

Cyclone Zelia, currently in the Indian Ocean 115 km north of Port Hedland, could bring wind gusts of up to 320 kph and heavy rainfall across a sparsely populated 550 km stretch. The world's largest iron ore port, Port Hedland, was closed on Wednesday, impacting companies like BHP Group and Fortescue.

Despite potential supply disruptions from Western Australia, iron ore futures in Dalian remained unaffected. However, the local impacts include closed supermarkets as residents rushed to prepare. The cyclone also affects the Dampier and Cape Lambert ports, critical for iron ore and oil shipments.