[Domestic Iron Ore Brief Review] Iron Ore Concentrate Prices in the Tangshan Region Expected to Remain Volatile

The Tangshan domestic ore market remained relatively stable. Currently, the ex-factory prices for Fe66% iron ore concentrates on a dry basis including tax are 1,015-1,020 yuan/tonne. Mines and beneficiation plants generally showed a strong willingness to hold prices firm, with a notable wait-and-see sentiment. Some concentrate plants adjusted production flexibly based on orders, taking into account costs and spot resources, resulting in a moderate overall willingness to offer prices. On the steel mill side, most local mills operated normally according to plan, with hot metal production remaining at relatively high levels, providing support for iron ore concentrate demand. However, steel mills currently face significant profit pressure and a strong desire to bargain down prices, leading them to purchase as needed. Overall, local iron ore prices are expected to remain volatile in the short term. [SMM Steel]