The price of the Brazilian high-grade iron ore, 65 percent iron contents, is $152/mt today, against $145/mt on 18 December, CFR China conditions.
According to analysts, still maintaining an oscillating pattern, iron ore prices are now positively affected by increased demand from steel producers in China and perspectives for restocking ahead of the Chinese holidays season.
The Brazilian high-grade product has now a premium of 2.7 percent in relation to the 62 percent Australian iron ore, when considering their iron units, against 3.4 percent previously.
The export price of blast furnace grade pellets is now estimated at $170/mt, CFR China, against $163/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 estimated at $120/mt for the iron ore and $138/mt for the pellets, against $114/mt and $131/mt previously, ex-works, no taxes included.
Preliminary figures from customs remain pointing to a combined volume of iron ore and pellets, being exported from Brazil in December, lower than the 31.60 million mt exported in November.