SYDNEY, Nov 17  - BHP Billiton <BHP.AX>, the world's No. 3 iron or miner, has had requests from some customers to defer up to 5 percent of this year's production, about 6 million tonnes, the company said, the latest big miner to feel the effects of declining global steel production.

BHP had no plans to cut output following the requests and was looking at ways to minimise the deferrals over the remainder the business year to June 30, 2009, BHP spokesman Peter Ogden told Reuters on Monday.

"We have received some requests for deferrals of shipments from some customers," Ogden said. "The important point is that we are not cutting production," he said.

The world's biggest iron ore miner, Brazil's Vale <VBALE5.SA><RIO.N> has already cut output 10 percent, or 30 million tonnes, and says it remains flexible to the needs of customers to reduce ore deliveries, while No. 2 Rio Tinto <RIO.AX> a big supplier to China, is also pledging to cut 10 percent, around 20 million tonnes, by the end of this year.

[ To Return ]   [ Print ]   [ Close ]