The price of Brazilian high-grade iron ore, 65 percent iron contents, is $143/mt today, against $139/mt on January 20, CFR China conditions.
According to sources, the increase reflects consistent demand for the high grade product, not only before the holidays to increase inventories, but also for consumption by steel producers in the months ahead.
The Brazilian high-grade product has now a premium of 5.2 percent in relation to the 62 percent Australian iron ore, against 5.4 percent previously, still reflecting a strong demand for the premium iron ore.
The export price of blast furnace grade pellets is now $160/mt, CFR China, against $156/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 $121/mt for the iron ore and $138/mt for the pellets, against respectively $117/mt and $135/mt previously, ex-works, no taxes included.