[China Iron Ore Brief] This week, the EXW price of 64% grade alkaline concentrates on a dry basis, before tax, from Shandong miners was reported at 836, down 11, with steel mills cutting prices in line. Miners mostly maintained normal production, but some saw inventory buildup, mainly influenced by fewer transport vehicles and the higher cost-effectiveness of imported ore, resulting in overall sluggish sales. On the steel mill side, profit margins narrowed significantly, leading to a stronger desire to bargain down prices, with procurement of domestic iron ore largely need-based. Considering that iron ore futures fluctuated and strengthened today, this is likely to boost local iron ore concentrate prices.

[Domestic Iron Ore Brief] Over the past week, China's iron ore concentrates market prices edged up slightly. By region, prices in Tangshan, Qian'an, Qianxi, and other areas in Hebei were basically flat; those in Chaoyang, Beipiao, Jianping, and other areas in western Liaoning edged down by 1-5 yuan/mt, while east China saw a decline of 15-20 yuan/mt. Looking ahead, domestic iron ore concentrates supply is expected to remain tight, providing some support for domestic prices.

[Domestic Iron Ore Brief] The Tangshan domestic ore market remained overall stable, with 66% grade iron ore concentrates at ex-factory prices of 970-975 yuan/mt on a dry basis including tax. Local iron ore concentrate resources remain tight, supporting producers' costs and willingness to hold prices firm. With beneficiation feedstock tight and low-priced resources hard to source, offers remained firm due to cost considerations. Steel mills, facing shrinking margins recently, are mostly purchasing as needed, with an overall relatively strong desire to push for lower prices.

[Domestic Iron Ore Brief] Domestic iron ore concentrates prices edged down this week. Looking at regional performance, prices in Tangshan, Qian'an, Qianxi, etc., Hebei, were basically flat; Chaoyang, Beipiao, Jianping in western Liaoning edged down by 1-5 yuan/mt; east China also saw a decline of 10-15 yuan/mt.

[Brief Review of China's Domestic Ore Market] At the beginning of the week, the domestic ore market in Tangshan remained relatively stable, with ex-factory prices of 66-grade iron ore concentrates (dry basis, tax-inclusive) at 970-975 yuan/mt. The tight supply situation at local mines and beneficiation plants showed no significant improvement, with a relatively strong wait-and-see sentiment, and they were in no hurry to sell at prices below their psychological expectations. Steel mills were mostly producing normally as planned, but with recent contraction in steel mill profits, steel mills mostly purchased as needed.

[Steel Billet Price Adjustment] On June 1, Tangshan Qian'an plain square billet resources were raised by 10 ex-factory, tax included, quoted at 3,030. (yuan/mt) [SMM Steel]