SHANGHAI, July 2 -- Stockpiles of imported iron ore at China's major ports rose by 500,000 tonnes from a week earlier to 70.35 million tonnes, industry consultancy Mysteel said on Friday.

The volume of imports from Australia rose to 22.95 million tonnes, up 450,000 tonnes from last week and making up 32.6 percent of the toal.

India-originated ore grew by 100,000 tonnes from last week to 18.07 million tonnes.

Chinese steel mills have remained outside of the market when iron ore spot prices have fallen quickly this week, on the lack of any supportive news on the steel market.

Ore from Brazil slipped 200,000 tonnes to 15.3 million tonnes this week, the consultancy said.