[SMM Analysis] As the September peak season approaches, can the steel market break the off-season slump?

Published: Aug 13, 2026 09:15

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[Domestic Iron Ore Brief] Next week, domestic ore price gains are expected to trail imported ore prices, and the price spread between domestic and imported ore is likely to continue narrowing.

The dry-basis, tax-inclusive EXW price of iron ore concentrates in East Liaoning edged down to 860 yuan/mt. According to feedback from mines and beneficiation plants, the local price spread between domestic and imported ore is around 60 yuan/mt, while local steel mills generally have a relatively strong desire to bargain down prices and expect to narrow the spread to around 20 yuan/mt. Local mines and beneficiation plants are mostly selling as usual at steel mills' purchase prices. However, iron ore futures recently drifted higher, and the price spread between domestic and imported ore may continue to narrow. Local iron ore concentrate prices are expected to have limited downside room.

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8.14 SMM Global Steel Daily Report

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MMi Daily Iron Ore Report (August 14)

Iron ore futures traded firmer today. The DCE most-active contract I2701 settled at RMB 710.5/mt, up 0.42% from the previous session. Spot prices at Qingdao Port rose RMB 5-9/mt from the previous trading day. Traders were active in offering, while mills showed limited enquiry, leaving overall spot transaction volumes moderate as of press time.

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