It has been reported that during recent weeks China blocked some spot iron ore shipments from Australia's two largest iron ore producers, Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton.
The move is considered by many as an attempt by the Chinese government to influence the annual price negotiations following the Australian miners' demand for a higher iron ore price rise.
As per industry reports, although many iron ore cargos intended for the spot market have been unloaded at Chinese ports, import approval from the Chinese authorities has not been forthcoming.
Meanwhile, China's government has confirmed delays in paperwork, but has denied the existence of an official boycott of Australian iron ore imports.