SHANGHAI, Apr 24 (SMM) – At the beginning of last week, China’s GDP data for the first quarter exceeded market expectations. The performance of the real estate sector was lacklustre. Subsequently, the National Development and Reform Commission stated that it would resolutely curb unreasonable rise in iron ore prices, pushing down the iron ore futures prices. From a fundamental point of view, most of the steel mills will restock inventories ahead of the May Day holidays.

According to SMM statistics, the pig iron output loss caused by blast furnace maintenance was 587,200 mt, up 1,000 mt from the prior week. Lower pig iron output undermined the support for iron ore prices. Overseas supply will increase in the near term. SMM also learns that steel mills in Shanxi, Shaanxi and Sichuan will continue to reduce production, and the expected widespread output cuts will bolster DCE iron ore prices this week.