Benchmark iron ore futures in China extended gains for a third straight session, closing at the highest price in five weeks, fuelled by falling supplies from major miners.
Shipments from Australia and Brazil — China’s two major iron ore suppliers — fell by 4.04 million tonnes to 24.04 million tonnes as of April 9 from the week earlier, data from Mysteel consultancy showed.
Operational problems and heavy rains are affecting iron ore shipments in Brazil.
Iron ore exports to China from Port Hedland, the top iron ore terminal in Western Australia, recovered by 7.4 million tonnes or 19.4% from February’s low to total around 38.1 million tonnes in March, according to Mysteel.
Last month’s tonnage, however, was still 2.3 million tonnes, or 5.7% down on the year.
The most actively traded iron ore futures on the Dalian Commodity Exchange for September delivery ended up 3.3% at 1,023 yuan ($156.17) per tonne after gaining 3.5% earlier in the session.
“Domestic demand and consumption driven by overseas economic recovery also helped sustain iron ore prices,” analysts with Huatai Futures wrote in a note.
China imported a total of 283.4 million tonnes of iron ore over January-March, higher by 21 million tonnes or by 8% compared with Q1 2020, according to the latest statistics released by the country’s General Administration of Customs.
Benchmark 62% Fe fines imported into Northern China (CFR Qingdao) were changing hands for $173.25 a tonne, down 0.75% from the previous trade, according to Fastmarkets MB.
