Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore shipments will hit the lower end of its 323 million-338 million tons annual guidance due to cyclones in the first quarter of this year, with the first-half production at 150 million tons.

Despite a 5% yearly shipment decline, the second quarter saw its strongest output since 2018, while bauxite production exceeded expectations at 30.6 million tons in the first half of the year, trending toward the higher end of 57 million-59 million tons. 

Chinese steel production rose 1.1% the first half, though demand sustainability remains uncertain amid declining port inventories.

Rio Tinto completed its Western Range site on schedule and budget in Pilbara, and notably accelerated Simandou’s first shipments to November 2025.