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China August iron ore exports remain high as mills prepare to peak season

China's imports of iron ore in August increased 0.6% compared to July, as lower prices encouraged continued buying and mills prepared for peak steel demand in September.

Data from the General Administration of Customs in the United States showed that the world's biggest iron ore consumer imported 105.23 millions metric tons of this steelmaking ingredient during the month of December, a figure which remained above 100 million for the third consecutive month.

This is up from the 104.62 millions tons imported in July 2024 and 3.8% more than the 101.39million tons imported.

Analyst Zhuo Guqiu at Jinrui Futures said that iron ore imports were high in November as hot metal production, which is a measure of demand for iron ore, was still high.

Iron ore prices rose due to a strong demand. The rise continues in August.

According to data, China's imports of iron ore in the first eight months 2025 totaled 801.62 millions tons, a decline from the 2.3% recorded for the period January to July, to 1.6%.

China's steel imports fell by 3.4% in August compared to the previous month, reaching 9.51 million tonnes.

Exports for the first half of the year were 77.49 millions tons, a 10% increase from the same period a year ago. This is a record-high. (Reporting and editing by Amy Lv, Lewis Jackson)

(source: Reuters)