The price of the Brazilian 65% Fe iron ore is $117/mt, CFR China, unchanged from one week ago.
Sources indicated that stable conditions were mainly due to low seasonal demand and fewer shipments in the seaborne market, along with a decline in iron ore arrivals at Chinese ports this week.
Blast furnace grade pellets continue to be exported at a steady price of $135/mt, showing a consistent premium over comparable sinter feed fines.
The premium for Brazilian high-grade ore containing 65 percent iron relative to Australian ore with 62 percent iron has increased to 8.9 percent from the previous 7.5 percent. This indicates potential upward movement, although the premium remains low by historical standards. The trend reflects steel producers' continued interest in the superior performance of premium ores in blast furnace operations.
In the Brazilian domestic market, reference prices are now $94/mt for the ore and $112/mt for pellets, against respectively $95/mt and $113/mt previously, ex-works, no taxes included.
