Rio Tinto Lifts Q2 Iron Ore Output, Faces Tariffs

Rio Tinto achieved its highest second-quarter Pilbara iron ore output since 2018, with shipments rising 13% sequentially to 79.9 million metric tonnes following a recovery from cyclone-related disruptions, though they remained 1% lower year-over-year. The company now expects full-year Pilbara shipments to reach the lower end of its guidance range. In the first half, Rio Tinto incurred approximately $300 million in U.S. tariffs on Canadian aluminum exports, mostly offset by higher U.S. premiums for the metal. The miner anticipates annual copper production to hit the top end of its forecast, supported by strong results at Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia and Escondida in Chile. These results demonstrate Rio Tinto’s operational resilience amid market volatility and shifting trade policies. The company’s strategic focus continues to be on maximizing output and navigating global economic uncertainties.