Iron Ore Sinks to Two-Month Low

2026-06-17 06:52 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

Iron ore futures dropped toward CNY 750 per ton, reaching their lowest level in two months as ample supply and weakening demand in China continued to weigh on the market.

Crude steel production in China has remained under pressure amid a prolonged downturn in the property sector, with May output declining 2.7% year-on-year to 84.35 million tons.

Broader economic indicators also disappointed, with fixed-asset investment and consumer spending retreating to levels not seen since the pandemic period.

On the supply side, Guinea’s Simandou mine continued to ramp up production, with output rising to 2.2 million tons in May from 1.3 million tons in April.

Meanwhile, iron ore inventories at Chinese ports climbed to record highs as demand from steelmakers softened.

Adding to bearish sentiment, China’s iron ore imports fell nearly 6% in May from the previous month, defying expectations for an increase, as mills limited purchases to immediate needs ahead of a seasonally weaker demand period.



News Stream
Iron Ore Sinks to Two-Month Low
Iron ore futures dropped toward CNY 750 per ton, reaching their lowest level in two months as ample supply and weakening demand in China continued to weigh on the market. Crude steel production in China has remained under pressure amid a prolonged downturn in the property sector, with May output declining 2.7% year-on-year to 84.35 million tons. Broader economic indicators also disappointed, with fixed-asset investment and consumer spending retreating to levels not seen since the pandemic period. On the supply side, Guinea’s Simandou mine continued to ramp up production, with output rising to 2.2 million tons in May from 1.3 million tons in April. Meanwhile, iron ore inventories at Chinese ports climbed to record highs as demand from steelmakers softened. Adding to bearish sentiment, China’s iron ore imports fell nearly 6% in May from the previous month, defying expectations for an increase, as mills limited purchases to immediate needs ahead of a seasonally weaker demand period.
2026-06-17
Iron Ore Gains on Supply Disruption Risks
Iron ore futures climbed toward CNY 770 per ton, recovering from near two-month lows as supply concerns emerged at Australia's key iron ore hub, Port Hedland, where an impending strike by BHP workers threatened to disrupt shipments. Two labor unions said a majority of members had voted in favor of industrial action that could begin within days, with workers seeking better pay and working conditions. Prices also drew support from easing Middle East tensions after the US and Iran reached an agreement to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, industry data showed iron ore stockpiles at major Chinese ports increased to 160 million tons last week, pointing to abundant supply. China's iron ore imports fell nearly 6% in May from the previous month, contrary to expectations for a rise, as steelmakers kept purchases limited to near-term requirements ahead of a seasonally softer demand period.
2026-06-15
Iron Ore Weakens to Near 2-Month Low
Iron ore futures fell to around CNY 760 per ton, sinking to a near two-month low after data showed China’s iron ore imports dropped nearly 6% in May from the previous month, defying expectations for an increase amid improved steel margins and higher shipments from major producers. China imported 97.71 million tons of the key steelmaking ingredient last month, down from 103.9 million tons in April and below analysts’ forecasts of 104 million to 110 million tons. Analysts attributed the decline to cautious purchasing by steelmakers, who have limited buying to immediate needs ahead of a seasonally weaker demand period. Demand from China’s steel sector has also softened earlier than usual this year, as persistent rainfall and the early arrival of summer heat have slowed construction activity.
2026-06-09