Iron Ore Stabilizes on Chinese Steel Mill Restocking Hopes

Iron ore prices surged on Monday, buoyed by anticipations of Chinese steelmakers restocking inventories post a week-long holiday, despite a ceiling set by the likelihood of a larger supply. The most actively traded iron ore contract on China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) increased by 0.15% to 684.5 yuan ($102.27) per metric ton, as of 0158 GMT.

The benchmark November iron ore on the Singapore Exchange climbed 0.67% to $91.2 a ton, as of 0148 GMT. Last week, prices of this crucial steelmaking component dropped as sluggish demand and expectations of escalating supply depressed the market. However, the restocking during the first three working days following China’s week-long National Day holiday fell short of predictions, as certain mills remained wary about replenishing feedstocks due to slim margins.

Nonetheless, a larger number of mills are anticipated to return to the spot market this week to augment feedstocks inventories for continued production, which may bolster iron ore prices. A fall in spot coke prices helped reduce steelmakers’ losses, possibly easing production cuts, according to analysts at broker First Futures in a report.

Diminished steel production losses would also bolster feedstock prices. However, gains were restrained by forecasts of heightened supply in the fourth quarter, as miners ramp up shipments to meet quarterly and annual objectives. Futures prices of coking coal and coke, other essential steelmaking ingredients, climbed 2.21% and 1.78%, respectively, fueled by persistent concerns over the sluggish recovery in supply.

Several mines were shut due to rigorous safety assessments following a fatal mine accident in northern China’s Shanxi province in May. Steel benchmarks on the Shanghai Futures Exchange exhibited mixed results, with rebar up 0.45%, hot-rolled coil rising 0.22%, while stainless steel fell 0.63%.