SMM Daily Comment On Imported Iron Ore Market (Sep 21)

This week, finished steel continued its gradual decline, while raw materials began to stabilize, with coking coal rebounding to some extent. During the week, rumors about a coal mine accident in Shanxi and customs clearance restrictions at the Mongolian border spread, boosting sentiment. Coupled with the China Mineral Resources talks, the raw materials side rebounded from lows. In the second half of the week, as rumors of maintenance at steel mills across various regions emerged, negative feedback expectations intensified somewhat, and raw materials pulled back. Approaching the weekend, however, the 10th round of coke price increases was initiated, pushing coking coal and coke futures higher. In the spot market, the off-season characteristics of end-users became increasingly evident, with the market restocking at low prices as needed. With spot prices remaining relatively firm, the spot-futures price spread continued to widen...

[Flat products (HRC)]HRC prices steady, trading muted as EU quota cuts hit exports No dedicated slab/HRC export daily was published on 3 July; latest figures are from 2 July. HRC and other flat prices held steady, with HRC deals at 488-497 USD/tonne alongside some lower RMB offers, and overall trading was muted. With EU quotas tightening, traders reportedly have shipped little to the EU since April, hitting hardest those with large prior EU export shares. [Billet]Export billet FOB steady at 458-461 USD, weak overseas order appetite On 3 July export billet was quoted at 458-461 USD/tonne FOB, holding steady. Southeast Asian enquiries picked up slightly, but domestic offers remained relatively high and overseas buyers were reluctant to place orders, mostly staying on the sidelines. [Rebar]Rebar export offers steady, enquiry muted with small Hong Kong deals On 3 July rebar export offers were steady, with sentiment staying wait-and-see and enquiry generally muted. Traders reported small deals in Hong Kong recently, mostly need-based purchases, with overall trading lackluster

Today, iron ore futures on the DCE traded weaker, with contract I2609 finally closing at 734 yuan/ton, down 1.74% from the previous trading day. Port spot prices fell by 3–8 yuan/ton from the prior day. Trader activity was moderate, while steel mill purchases were mainly for replenishment; spot market transaction volumes have been average so far.