Fastmarkets Iron Ore Decoded 2026

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17 June 2026
Fastmarkets Iron Ore Decoded 2026

Iron ore markets in 2026 are going through significant changes with new benchmarks launched, a Guinean supply shock reshaping grade spreads, and a Middle East conflict rewriting pellet trade routes overnight.

Fastmarkets Iron Ore Decoded 2026 brings the right people into the same room to cut through the noise, not with presentations, but with frank, senior-level discussion grounded in real market experience.

This is not a conference. There are no standard presentations, no press, and no broad audience. Just senior practitioners, genuine debate based on key talking points, and the intelligence you need to act with confidence in the months ahead.

Here is a summary of the three panel discussions:

Panel 1: The benchmark transition and its implications from different voices
Is the 61% Fe index still fit for purpose? This session examines the commercial, contractual and structural consequences of any benchmark shift across APAC.
 
Panel 2: The Simandou supply shock and grade spread dynamics
With Simandou volumes entering the seaborne market, how does a major new high-grade source reshape grade spread pricing and long-term supply agreements?
 
Panel 3: Looking further: The Middle East conflict and India’s domestic iron ore paradox 
Hormuz disruption has upended pellet routes and opened an opportunistic window for Indian buyers. What does the new flow map mean for suppliers, traders and mills?
 
Panellists and moderators will examine the defining fault lines reshaping global iron ore markets in 2026, from the commercial and contractual consequences of a potential 61% Fe benchmark transition and its structural implications for miners, mills and traders across APAC, to the grade spread disruption triggered by first Simandou volumes entering the seaborne market, and what a major new high-grade supply source means for blending economics and long-term agreements.
 
The discussion will also confront the immediate market reality of Middle East conflict, exploring how the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz has upended established pellet trade routes, accelerated origin-switching decisions, and opened an opportunistic procurement window for Indian buyers, and what the redrawn flow map means for freight economics, delivered price benchmarks, and the risk management strategies of every participant along the value chain.
 

Moderators: To be confirmed
Panellists: To be confirmed

Register to join our first-ever decoded event


Agenda
View the complete agenda below

Industry Site Tour

Gain direct exposure to Mexico’s metals infrastructure through an exclusive tour of leading facilities in the Monterrey region. This curated visit offers practical insight into how nearshoring and industrial expansion are reshaping production operations and logistics across one of the country’s most strategically significant manufacturing hubs.

Opening Market Briefings and Industry Context

Market briefings and moderated discussion, setting the strategic context for the summit. These sessions highlight the key structural, trade and demand trends influencing Mexico’s metals markets ahead of the full agenda on Day Two.

Networking Drinks Reception

Conclude Day One at our hosted evening networking reception. Engage with fellow attendees, speakers and sponsors in an informal setting, supporting meaningful connections across Mexico’s evolving metals sector.

Panellists and moderators
Accessories, Formal Wear, Tie

Leticia Simionato

Aluminium reporter

Nina Grattis

Steel Reporter

Even Phaf

Scrap

Anne-Laure Sainmont  

ENERGY SPECIALIST, VOLVO  

Felix Gallagher

Carbon Modeller, Fastmarkets

Blazer, Clothing, Coat

Ben Crick

Senior Economist, Fastmarkets

People, Person, Crowd

Julia Bolotova

Strategic Markets Editor, Fastmarkets

Photography, Head, Person

Abdi Salad

Senior Price Reporter, Fastmarkets

About Fastmarkets
Fastmarkets is a leading, IOSCO-compliant price reporting agency providing trusted benchmarks, news, and analytics for global metals, mining, and recycling markets. With over 130 years of experience, it delivers over 900 price points for base metals, steel, battery materials, and ores. Its expertise helps professionals manage volatility and make strategic decisions.

Our experts for Fastmarkets Iron Ore Decoded 2026 include:
Paul Lim

Paul Lim
Managing Editor

Norman Fong
Senior Price Reporter

Adult, Female, Person

Alice Li
Senior Price Reporter

Zheng Shu Yi
Price Reporter

About Horizon Insights
Horizon Insights (弘则研究) is China’s leading independent investment research provider, established in April 2015 to offer macroeconomic, commodities, and equity research. Based in Shanghai with international footprints in Singapore and the US, they serve mutual funds, hedge funds, and asset managers by tracking China’s economic activity through on-the-ground research.

Our experts from Horizon Insights include:
Paul Lim

Paul Lim
Managing Editor

Norman Fong
Senior Price Reporter

Alice Li
Senior Price Reporter

Zheng Shu Yi
Price Reporter


Fastmarkets combines the commodity intelligence of these familiar names:

Metal Bulletin • American Metal Market • Scrap Price Bulletin • Industrial Minerals • RISI • FOEX • The Jacobsen • Agricensus • Palm Oil Analytics • Random Lengths • Hardwood Market Report
• FastMarkets and more