[China Iron Ore Brief] Iron ore concentrate prices in the Tangshan area are likely to hover in the doldrums.

Published: Aug 6, 2026 17:16

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The domestic ore market in Liaodong was generally stable today. Buyers were cautious in their inquiries, purchasing only for immediate needs, but some sellers held back from selling and held prices firm, reluctant to accept offers below their psychological expectations. Both sides were in a stalemate and stood on the sidelines, with trading thin. Demand side, steel mills were mostly incurring losses and had a strong desire to bargain down prices. Combined with maintenance at some mills, demand weakened in phases, exerting strong restraint on ore prices. However, ROM supply remained tight, and in the absence of notable positive external drivers, local ore processors had no production resumption plans in the near term.

Iron ore concentrate prices in the Tangshan area dropped 15-20 yuan/mt, with the current EXW price for 66% grade dry basis including tax at 950-960 yuan/mt. Firstly, steel mills are facing losses, leading to an overall strong desire to bargain down prices. Secondly, due to prolonged price holding, the cost-effectiveness of local domestic concentrates has continued to weaken, and coupled with the recent partial recovery of concentrate output in the Chengde area, mines and beneficiation plants' willingness to hold prices firm has weakened. Considering the concentrated decline in domestic iron ore prices in recent days, along with the recent stabilization and rebound in iron ore futures, which may weigh on domestic iron ore prices, overall it is estimated that local iron ore concentrate prices will likely remain in the doldrums in the short term. [SMM Steel]

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