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Iron ore at 2-1/2- month low as tepid steel need, firmer dollar weigh

Costs of iron ore futures prolonged losses on Monday to their least expensive levels in more than 2 months, took down by indications of dull steel intake in top customer China and a stronger U.S. dollar.

The most-traded September iron ore agreement on China's. Dalian Product Exchange (DCE) was down 3.11% at. 795.5 yuan ($ 109.55) a metric ton, as of 0223 GMT, the lowest. level given that April 9.

The benchmark July iron ore on the Singapore. Exchange fell 2.33% to $102.55 a lot, the lowest given that April 8.

Numerous regions have been struck by heats and heavy. rains, leading to temporary suspension of activities in some. building sites, experts at Everbright Futures stated, adding. that steel demand remained suppressed, dragging down iron ore. rates.

Iron ore bulls have actually been stubbornly holding out hope in. vain for any additional supportive measures, which may support. China's collapsing residential or commercial property sector as the last bastion of hope. for any possible healing in construction activity, stated. Atilla Widnell, handling director at Navigate Commodities.

Sadly, all roadways and metrics are leading towards a. heavy contraction in sector activity for 2024. Additionally, looming. domestic home developer liquidations and winding up orders. now present previously unfathomable headwinds for local. construction steel intake.

A firmer U.S. dollar weighed down broad products. consisting of iron ore and steel, said experts, as a more powerful. greenback makes dollar-denominated products less attractive. for holders of other currencies.

Other steelmaking ingredients on the DCE pulled back even more,. with coking coal and coke down 2.47% and. 2.25%, respectively.

Steel standards on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were. weaker. Rebar dropped 1.5%, hot-rolled coil. shed 1.2%, wire rod lost 1.8% and stainless steel. dipped 0.4%.

We do not believe there will be a large room for a further. decline in rebar rate as it has been rather near the. production expense based upon valley power cost and there is no big. drag in principles, said Cheng Peng, a Beijing-based expert. at Sinosteel Futures.

(source: Reuters)