Iron ore shipments to China from Australia’s Port Hedland hit a record 37.4mt in December, latest figures show.

Overall shipments from the world’s largest iron ore export terminal also climbed to a record 43.9mt last month, according to the Pilbara Ports Authority.

Compared to November, December shipments were up by 11% to China and by 7% overall, port figures showed.

The record was achieved despite a cyclone causing high swells in the area just before Christmas, and it ensured that 17% more iron ore was exported through the port compared to a year ago.

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