[China Iron Ore Brief Review] Iron Ore Concentrate Prices in the Tangshan Area May Continue to Fluctuate

Published: Mar 31, 2026 17:50

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[China Iron Ore Brief Review: Iron Ore Concentrate Prices in the Tangshan Region May Hold Up Well] In Shandong, the pre-tax dry-basis price of 64-grade alkaline fines at mines and beneficiation plants fell by 5 yuan to 894 yuan, and steelmakers lowered prices in tandem. Most miners maintained normal production, with no significant inventory buildup and basically no inventory at most operations. Steelmakers continued to purchase under long-term contracts, mainly purchasing as needed while maintaining low inventory operations. On the news front, external market disruptions remained unabated, and imported ore prices stayed at a relatively high level, which may provide some support for domestic iron ore

[SMM China Domestic Ore Daily Brief Review]
The Tangshan domestic ore market was generally stable, with some prices showing strength driven by steel producers’ price increases. Currently, the delivery-to-factory price, tax included, for 66-grade iron ore concentrates on a dry basis is 970-980 yuan/mt. As environmental protection-related controls have been lifted, mine and beneficiation plant operating rates have improved. However, some beneficiation plants have shown limited willingness to produce due to tight raw material supply, high costs, and insufficient operating margins. Most producers are temporarily withholding shipments as prices remain below their psychological expectations, while buyers’ inquiry activity is only average, making high-priced cargoes difficult to purchase. Against a supply and demand stalemate, transactions have been relatively sluggish. Steel mills are mainly purchasing as needed, and considering the recent strength in iron ore futures, local iron ore concentrates prices are expected to hold up well in the short term. [SMM Steel]

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