SMM7: Australia's iron ore exports to China from Port Hedland, the world's largest export, climbed to a record 46.2 million tons in June, according to the Australian Port Authority.

Shipments were up 7 per cent from 43.18 million tonnes in May and 10 per cent from the same month last year, according to the data.

Port Hedland is used by three of Australia's four largest iron ore miners: BHP Billiton Group, Fortescue Metals and Gina Rinehart's Roy Hill.

However, at the end of the Australian fiscal year this month and the opening of the annual routine maintenance, shipments in Australia and Brazil fell month-on-month.

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