SYDNEY, June 7 (Reuters) - Iron ore shipments to China from Australia's Port Hedland, used by BHP Billiton (LON:BLT) BHP.AX and Fortescue Metals Group FMG.AX , slipped to 31.7 million tonnes in May from 32.6 million tonnes in April, port data showed on Tuesday.
Total shipments from the Indian Ocean port - the world's largest of its kind - climbed to 39.4 million tonnes in May against 37.7 million tonnes in April, reflecting a rise in exports to Japan and South Korea, according to the Pilbara Ports Authority.