Resistance Released, Iron Ore Rose Sharply! [SMM Imported Ore Daily Brief]

Published: May 6, 2026 17:04
On May 6, 2026, iron ore futures rose sharply today, with the most-traded contract I2609 closing at 816 yuan/mt, up 2.84% from the previous trading session. Port spot prices rose 10-18 yuan/mt from the previous day. Traders showed increased quoting activity, while steel mill purchases were mostly driven by rigid demand with few inquiries; overall spot transaction sentiment remained sluggish.

The latest SMM survey data showed that daily average pig iron production edged down by 9,800 mt to 2.4307 million mt; the blast furnace operating rate declined 0.19% to 89.61%. This indicated that overall rigid demand for iron ore, though slightly lower, remained at a high level.

Looking ahead, as previously constrained port inventory was released and well absorbed by the market, upward resistance on ore prices has eased amid continuously increasing destocking speed, and there is currently strong upward momentum. However, as raw material costs continue to climb and profits remain under pressure, steel mills may increase maintenance intensity going forward. Therefore, iron ore prices are expected to fluctuate upward in the short term, while medium and long-term trends still depend on the ability of steel mills to absorb supply.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
[SMM Steel] Australia launches AD investigation into Vietnamese galvanized steel
42 mins ago
[SMM Steel] Australia launches AD investigation into Vietnamese galvanized steel
Read More
[SMM Steel] Australia launches AD investigation into Vietnamese galvanized steel
[SMM Steel] Australia launches AD investigation into Vietnamese galvanized steel
[SMM Steel] Australia’s Anti-Dumping Commission (ADC) officially initiated an anti-dumping investigation on April 30, 2026 into galvanized steel imports from Vietnam and South Korea. The products under review are zinc-coated flat steel products with thickness ranging from 0.3mm to 3.5mm, in coil or sheet form, with zinc accounting for at least 50% of the coating composition. The case raises the risk of future anti-dumping duties if Australian authorities determine that low-priced imports caused injury to domestic producers. Vietnamese authorities advised exporters to closely monitor the investigation, prepare export pricing and production cost data, and strengthen legal defense strategies as global trade protection measures continue to increase.
42 mins ago
[SMM Steel] VNSTEEL steel sales rise 16.9% in Jan-Apr amid higher steel prices
42 mins ago
[SMM Steel] VNSTEEL steel sales rise 16.9% in Jan-Apr amid higher steel prices
Read More
[SMM Steel] VNSTEEL steel sales rise 16.9% in Jan-Apr amid higher steel prices
[SMM Steel] VNSTEEL steel sales rise 16.9% in Jan-Apr amid higher steel prices
[SMM Steel] Global steel and raw material prices continued rising in April 2026, with HRC, billet, scrap, and iron ore prices increasing 6.3–18.9% YoY, while coking coal surged 30.1% YoY. Imported US HMS 1/2 80:20 scrap prices to Vietnam rose 7.1% MoM and 13.8% YoY, while imported HRC prices also increased sharply in late April. In Vietnam, domestic HRC prices increased by around VND 900–988/kg, and coated steel prices continued rising with some mills raising prices 4–5 times during the month due to higher input costs. Against this backdrop, VNSTEEL’s total finished steel consumption in the first four months of 2026 increased 16.9% YoY, with long steel sales rising 30% and metal products growing 37.4%, supported by improving domestic construction and infrastructure demand.
42 mins ago
[SMM Steel] US-Indian investors to build steel pipe plant in Jordan for major water projects
43 mins ago
[SMM Steel] US-Indian investors to build steel pipe plant in Jordan for major water projects
Read More
[SMM Steel] US-Indian investors to build steel pipe plant in Jordan for major water projects
[SMM Steel] US-Indian investors to build steel pipe plant in Jordan for major water projects
[SMM Steel] A US$125 million joint venture between US and Indian investors will build a metal pipe manufacturing facility in Jordan’s Quweira Industrial Zone, with annual production capacity of 500,000 tons. The plant will mainly supply pipes for Jordan’s National Water Carrier Project and the Risha gas project, including a 450-km desalinated water pipeline from Aqaba to Amman. The project is expected to create around 450 local jobs and also target export markets. Jordan’s water infrastructure plan will use reverse osmosis technology and aims to integrate 30% renewable energy by 2030.
43 mins ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here