Independent iron ore producers in Brazil cut production amid rising freight costs

As profit margins narrow, some producers are suspending operations, while others are reducing production capacity.

Mineração Usiminas has suspended operations at its Samambaia facility, while Itaminas Comércio de Minérios plans to halt operations at its wet processing plant in October and place approximately one third of its workforce on leave.

Independent miners without large logistics networks are facing greater pressure due to higher freight costs compared with last year. Production cuts indicate that elevated logistics costs are having an increasing impact on iron ore supply in Brazil.