Fastmarkets is inviting feedback from the industry on the pricing methodology for its iron ore indices, as part of its announced annual methodology review process.

Trading activity for pellet feed imported into China increased in the week to Friday January 19, with more tenders from Australia. The pellet feed premium, however, continued to face downward pressure from uncertain demand outlook among market participants, sources told Fastmarkets

Fastmarkets will, on Monday January 22, launch a daily price index for the spot premium differential between 67.5% Fe magnetite and hematite iron ore pellet feed above the 65% Fe Fines index.

These changes are driven by the need to adapt to an uncertain market environment and a sluggish economy, especially with pessimistic steel demand from China's real estate sector

China’s State Council has set a two-year action plan for cleaner air, and the comprehensive strategy to improve air quality will affect all key economic sectors, market sources told Fastmarkets

Price differentials between Brazilian direct-reduced (DR) iron ore pellets and blast furnace (BF) pellets for the first quarter of 2024 are showing signs of widening amid weaker demand for BF pellets in Europe, sources told Fastmarkets Thursday November 30

As the world’s second-largest iron ore exporter, Brazil is expected to play a key role in helping the global steel industry slash carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions; Brazilian companies are already taking action to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) protocol Scope 3 emissions – those encompassing the entire value chain

Stronger buying appetite for pellet feed products among Chinese buyers has led to higher seaborne premiums since late July, with market participants expecting a wider price gap between high-grade pellet feed and high-grade sinter fines, sources told Fastmarkets on Friday August 25

Low margins at Chinese steelmakers so far in 2023 have boosted demand for lower-grade iron ore products, which has led to record iron ore shipments from Australia's FMG in its financial year to June 30, sources told Fastmarkets this week

Seaborne iron ore prices fell further on Friday, July 28 due to more concerns for crude steel production cuts in China