Following an initial consultation with the market and a review of the typical data sets that have been collected over recent months, Fastmarkets is proposing changes to the specifications of the index for MB-IRO-0009 iron ore 65% Fe Brazil-origin fines, cfr Qingdao, by raising the silica base specification to 2.7% from 2.2%, as well as an […]

The fixed-price equivalent in the trade log in these indices’ rationale was missed. The trade log entry has been corrected as follows: Vale, COREX, 170,000 tonnes of 62% Fe Brazilian Blend fines, traded at the July average of Fastmarkets’ 62% Fe low-alumina fines plus a premium of $0.40 per tonne, laycan July 17-26 (fixed-price equivalent […]

The publication of Fastmarkets’ iron ore indices for Friday June 20 was delayed due to a technical issue. Fastmarkets’ pricing database has been updated. The following indices were affected:MB-IRO-0191 61% Fe fines, cfr Qingdao, $/tonneMB-IRO-0008 62% Fe fines, cfr Qingdao, $/tonneMB-IRO-0144 62% Fe low-alumina fines, cfr Qingdao, $/tonneMB-IRO-0015 Iron ore 58% Fe fines, cfr Qingdao, […]

The global steel industry’s move to decarbonize and China’s penchant for lower-grade ores in recent years have uncovered challenges for high-grade iron ore to live out its value in both the blast furnace-based steelmaking route and the direct-reduction iron process, delegates told Fastmarkets during the Singapore International Ferrous Week (SIFW), which takes place from May 26-30.

The global iron ore market, a pivotal component of the steelmaking industry, has historically been driven by simple supply and demand dynamics. However, steel trade tariffs, trade wars and a growing trend toward resource nationalism are reshaping this once-basic industrial staple. These forces, alongside rising environmental regulations and shifting trade patterns, are profoundly influencing iron ore pricing, production and consumption trends. 

The playing field for global iron ore brands could be poised to be leveled, given a recent announcement on lower iron content in a key mainstream Australian direct shipping ore, iron ore market participants told Fastmarkets, adding that the development could narrow the price disparities between major Australian mid-grade iron ore brands.

At Fastmarkets’ International Iron Ore & Green Steel Summit 2025, we expect topics such as iron ore pricing trends, green steel developments and growing demand for high-grade pellets to emerge. The event will address decarbonization, Europe’s green steel growth and shifts in scrap and pellet markets driven by supply and cost changes.

The Chinese steel market is expected to remain reliant on export-led growth for the rest of 2025, amid poor domestic consumption and a lack of investor confidence in the property sector, delegates were told at the Singapore International Iron Ore Forum on Wednesday May 28.

Seaborne iron ore prices are on the rise due to increased trading activity and stable market fundamentals, highlighting steady demand and opportunities for growth while emphasizing the importance of monitoring market trends to manage risks effectively.

South Africa’s newly approved Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy and the draft of the 2025 Mineral Resources Development Bill (MRDB) have drawn significant attention from global market participants, particularly manganese and chrome buyers in China.