Iron Ore Gains on Supply Concerns

Iron ore futures climbed above CNY 720 per ton, reaching near two-week highs as signs of tightening near-term supply and possible disruptions supported prices. Industry data showed global iron ore shipments declined by 1.38 million tons in the week through August 9 to around 32 million tons, while shipments arriving at Chinese ports dropped by 13.1 million tons to 18.9 million tons. Supply concerns also increased after more workers joined a strike at BHP’s Port Hedland iron ore export hub in Western Australia, although vessel loading operations have continued. Meanwhile, China imported 108.086 million tons of iron ore and concentrates in July, down 4.09% from June but up 3.5% from a year earlier, according to recent data. Figures released over the weekend also showed China’s consumer and producer inflation slowed in July, highlighting continued weakness in domestic demand.

Iron ore futures declined to around CNY 711 per ton, resuming their downward trend after data showed global shipments jumped 14.18% to 156.6 million metric tons in July, with Australia and Brazil accounting for much of the increase. Brazil is also entering its peak export season this quarter, while Australian shipments are expected to gradually rebound after a relatively weak start to the new fiscal year. Meanwhile, China imported 108.086 million tons of iron ore and concentrates in July, down 4.09% from June but 3.5% higher than a year earlier. Data released over the weekend also showed consumer and producer inflation in top consumer China slowed in July, pointing to persistently weak domestic demand. Elsewhere, traders monitored an expanding strike at BHP’s Port Hedland export operations in Western Australia, raising concerns over potential supply disruptions.

Iron ore futures climbed above CNY 715 per ton, recovering from 15-month lows as renewed concerns over potential supply disruptions resurfaced. A two-day strike is scheduled at BHP’s Port Hedland operations in Western Australia this weekend, despite progress in negotiations between the mining company and labor unions. The industrial action is expected to delay up to 16 iron ore shipments during the two-day period. BHP exports roughly $80 million worth of iron ore each day through Port Hedland, the world’s largest iron ore export terminal. Meanwhile, demand-side fundamentals remained weak, with a prolonged downturn in steel demand and deteriorating steel margins in top consumer China continuing to pressure the market. Hot metal production has fallen for several consecutive weeks as steel mills scale back output, while sluggish steel consumption has further reduced appetite for raw material purchases.