The price of Brazilian high-grade iron ore, 65 percent iron contents, is $139/mt today, against $134/mt on January 16, CFR China conditions.
According to sources, the $5/mt increase reflects not only perspectives of increased demand from China, but also anticipations of fresh deals closed, ahead of the holiday period in China.
The Brazilian high-grade product has now a premium of 5.4 percent in relation to the 62 percent Australian iron ore, against 5.9 percent previously. Although declining, it still reflects a strong demand for the premium iron ore.
The export price of blast furnace grade pellets is now $156/mt, CFR China, against $151/mt previously, reflecting a stable premium ascribed to the product in relation to the equivalent sinter feed fines.
In the Brazilian domestic market, the prices are now estimated at $117/mt for the iron ore and $135/mt for the pellets, against respectively $112/mt and $129/mt previously, ex-works, no taxes included.