Dalian iron ore price hovers near 7-month high on China stimulus hopes

The iron ore price climbed on Tuesday on hopes for additional Chinese policy support to shore up the world’s second largest economy and biggest steel producer, which is currently battling a covid-19 surge.

According to Fastmarkets MB, benchmark 62% Fe fines imported into Northern China were changing hands for $152.92 a tonne during morning trading, up 1.2% compared to Monday’s closing.

The most-traded Dalian iron ore for September delivery ended daytime trading 0.5% higher at 867.50 yuan ($136.24) a tonne.

Rising for a fourth straight session, Dalian iron ore touched a session high of 879 yuan, near Monday’s seven-month peak at 882.50 yuan.

Still, traders were cautious in pushing iron ore prices higher following the Dalian exchange’s announcement of higher transaction fee and margin requirement for speculative trading. 

Dalian iron ore has risen about 30% this year, notwithstanding recent moves by Chinese authorities to curb a rally amid concerns about inflation as commodity prices soared. 

“Expectations of policy support in China outweighed concerns of weaker demand amid lockdowns,” ANZ commodity strategists said in a note.