[China Iron Ore Brief] Prices of iron ore concentrates in the Liaodong region may consolidate

Published: Aug 19, 2026 18:22

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The domestic ore market in Liaodong remained relatively stable. Steel mills’ tendering pace was slow, and most traders were closed and staying on the sidelines; a few offered low prices only as needed. However, amid no inventory buildup at beneficiation plants and under funding pressure, low prices were mostly hard to accept. Both sides were locked in a stalemate, and spot supply in the market has tightened temporarily, strengthening support for ore prices. Still, most steel mills purchased at stable prices, with some areas still showing a desire to push for lower prices. In addition, the price spread between domestic and imported ore has not narrowed significantly, and steel mills show an even stronger preference for imported ore.

The domestic ore market in Liaodong is relatively stable. Steel mills' tender pace is slow, and traders are mostly on the sidelines, with a few offering low prices based on demand. However, miners, without inventory buildup and financial pressure, are largely unwilling to accept low prices. The two sides are locked in a stalemate. The market’s spot supply has been tightening periodically, strengthening support for ore prices. Still, steel mills mostly maintain stable purchase prices, while there remains a desire to push for lower prices in some areas. Moreover, the price spread between domestic and imported ore has not narrowed significantly, leading steel mills to favour imported ore even more. Demand for domestic ore remains persistently weak, weighing on ore prices. On the whole, local iron ore concentrate prices are expected to consolidate in the near term. [SMM Steel]

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