Latest News

China's imports of iron ore reached a new record in September

Imports of iron ore to China in September increased 10.6% compared to the previous month. This was a record-breaking month for one month. The increase was due to an improved demand and higher prices, which encouraged miners to boost shipments.

Data from the General Administration of Customs revealed that the world's biggest iron ore consumer, China, imported 116.33 millions metric tons of this key ingredient for steelmaking last month. This is the fourth consecutive month in which the country has exceeded 100 million tons.

The volume in September, which exceeded analysts' expectations between 100 million to 106 million tonnes, was higher than the 105.22 millions tons in August, and was also 11.7% more than 104.13 millions tons for the same month in 2024.

Analysts said that prices of the main steelmaking ingredient, which is a key component in the production of steel, have risen and are now above the psychologically important level of $100 per ton. This could lead high-cost miner to increase shipments.

Iron ore average price Steelhome data showed that the number of people who bought a home in July increased by 5.3% compared to the previous month. Then, in August, it grew 2.5% and in September, 3.6%.

The steel industry has seen a rise in confidence as a result of Beijing's promise to clamp down on fierce competition that is destructive, or involution style competition.

The demand for iron ore in China, the world's largest consumer of the material, also increased after mills began production again following a suspension in September to accommodate a military parade.

Data from the consultancy Mysteel revealed that by late September, the average daily hot metal production, which is typically a gauge for ore demand rose to 2,42 million tonnes from 2.4 millions tons at the end of August.

China's imports of iron ore in the first three-quarters of 2025 totalled 917.69 millions tons, a flat rate year-on-year.

Ge Xin is the deputy director of Lange Steel. He said that the strong steel demand in China and abroad was also a factor behind robust ore imports.

STEEL EXPORTS ARE RECORD HIGH

China's exports of steel in September increased by 10% over August, reaching a peak of 10,47 million tons for a period lasting four months. This was contrary to expectations that the growing backlash against cheap Chinese steel could lower outbound shipments.

Exports for the first nine-month period of this year increased by 9.2%, reaching a new record for the time at 87.96 millions tons. This keeps the total for the entire year on track to reach a new high.

(source: Reuters)