The price was initially published as $115.73 per tonne. This has since been corrected to $117.26 per tonne. Fastmarkets’ pricing database has been updated to reflect this change. This price is part of the Fastmarkets steel raw materials package. For more information or to provide feedback on this correction notice or if you would like to provide […]

Following a recent proposal to amend the specifications of the MB-IRO-0009 iron ore 65% Fe Brazil-origin fines, cfr Qingdao index – specifically, the increase in the silica base specification from 2.2% to 2.7% – Fastmarkets will introduce the high-grade iron ore, 0.5% Si VIU, cfr Qingdao index. This new index is designed to support the market’s transition and provide […]

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 the changes to the name and specifications of the index for iron ore 62% Fe fines, fot Qingdao (MB-IRO-00011), and iron ore 62% Fe fines, fot Qingdao, $/tonne conversion (MB-IRO-00022), […]

The purpose of this review is to ensure that the index continues to accurately reflect prevailing market conditions. We welcome feedback from industry participants on potential amendments to the base specification. This consultation, which is open until August 9, 2025 seeks to ensure that our methodologies continue to reflect the physical market under indexation, in […]

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.