SHANGHAI, Oct 18(SMM) – The most-traded DCE I2401 iron ore contract closed down 0.4% at 861 yuan/mt today. Iron ore traders’ shipment enthusiasm was average, and some were cautiously waiting. The overall market transaction atmosphere today was sluggish. Transaction prices of PB fines in Shandong were concentrated in the range of 929-940 yuan/mt, down 5-15 yuan/mt compared with yesterday, prices in Tangshan area were 950-960 yuan/mt, 0-10 yuan/mt lower than yesterday’s prices. The real estate data released today was still weak, demand for finished steel was poor, and market sentiment weakened. However, in terms of fundamentals, the shipment volume of mainstream mines in the third quarter remained relatively stable. Although blast furnace maintenance increased, pig iron production was still high. With low port inventories, ore prices dropped less than finished steel prices. Considering that steel mills’ losses worsened due to rising prices of raw materials, their willingness to overhaul blast furnaces was promoted, while purchase motivation for spot ores was diminished. Imported ore prices are expected to fluctuate under downward pressure.