Iron ore concentrates prices in west Liaoning were relatively stable, with the ex-factory prices of 66-grade iron ore concentrates, wet basis and excluding tax, at 730-740 yuan/mt; affected by earlier safety inspections, some local mines and beneficiation plants had only recently resumed normal production, and overall iron ore concentrates resources remained relatively tight, still providing some support to local ore prices. Demand side, steel mills mostly purchased as needed, with an overall relatively strong desire to bargain down prices. The market heard today that negotiations may have been concluded, and iron ore futures fell rapidly, weakening market confidence. Overall, iron ore concentrates prices were expected to remain in the doldrums. [SMM Steel]
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