Second Boron Export Shipment to China on the Way

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Dönmez stated that the first rail shipment of boron to China took place in January, saying "Today, Eti Maden, together with TCCD, is making the second train shipment to China by rail." In a written statement, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Dönmez recalled that in the first shipment in January, 42 containers of borax pentahydrate were sent to China by an 800-meter-long block train. Noting that delivery of the first batch was completed in February, Dönmez said, "Particularly due to COVID-19, the structural disruptions in world trade and maritime transportation, equipment shortages in the logistics sector and, consequently, the high freight rates that increased in maritime shipments at the end of last year continue through the beginning of this year. During this period when maritime freight rates peaked, our exporters also began seeking increased rail exports." Dönmez emphasized the importance of alternative trade routes re-emerging following the accident that occurred in the Suez Canal on 23 March, and noted: "World trade suffered losses worth millions of dollars within just a few days. This showed us what risks trade conducted over a single route or single transit corridor carries. Along with global vaccination efforts, raw material demand in the manufacturing sector has increased since the beginning of this year. Our successful strategic rail pilot operation during a period when this situation has given positive momentum to world trade is now bearing fruit. Today, Eti Maden, together with TCCD, is making the second train shipment to China by rail. Refined boron products manufactured at our boron operation in Kirka are once again on their way in approximately 50 containers of block wagons to Xian station in China. Eti Maden, in addition to its traditional maritime container transport to the Chinese market, has now executed a successful strategic move with ship leasing and rail alternatives as well."   Source: AA