Mumbai: Iron ore exports from India, the world’s third largest shipper of the steel-making material, fell for the first time in six months after the government imposed an export tax, cutting overseas demand.

Shipments in December fell 10.7% to 12.37 million tonnes (mt) from 13.85 mt a year earlier, said the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries. India exported 10.73 mt in November.More from Football

Newcastle star Hatem Ben Arfa feels he could have been as good as Lionel Messi

Hatem Ben Arfa feels he could have been playing at the level of Lionel Messi, if not for problems earlier in his career.

Last Updated: 19/02/13 12:30pm

Hatem Ben Arfa: Regrets some early decisions

The one-time bad-boy of French football saw his career falter in France which preceded his move to St James' Park.

As a teenager at Lyon he was linked with a big-money move - but he shocked the country when he joined Marseille in 2008.

After falling out of favour at the Stade Velodrome he moved to England, where he has largely flourished and has shown some brilliance which reminded everyone of why he was so highly-rated as a youngster.

And he admits that he