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Iron ore prices remain volatile at high levels, with Chinese port inventories surpassing 179 million tonnes.

Category: Blog

Time:2026-03-18

On March 13, the CFR China price for 62% Fe Australian iron ore remained largely unchanged at US$110 per tonne. Despite stabilizing market sentiment, iron ore prices continue to trade at elevated levels; however, with buyers remaining cautious and port inventories continuing to rise, upward momentum is limited. Market reports indicate that China and the United States are scheduled to hold a new round of economic and trade consultations in France from March 14 to 17, a development that has boosted both futures and spot markets for Chinese iron ore. Nevertheless, traders’ purchasing appetite remains relatively subdued, while steelmakers are primarily engaging in just-in-time procurement, leading to a decline in trading volumes and a modest pullback in iron ore prices before they stabilize.

　　On March 13, the CFR China price for 62% Fe Australian iron ore remained largely unchanged at USD 110 per tonne. Despite stabilizing market sentiment, iron ore prices continue to trade at elevated levels; however, with buyers remaining cautious and port inventories continuing to rise, upward momentum is limited.

　　Market reports indicate that China and the United States are scheduled to hold a new round of economic and trade consultations in France from March 14 to 17, a development that has boosted both the futures and spot markets for Chinese iron ore. Nevertheless, traders’ purchasing appetite remains relatively subdued, while steelmakers are primarily engaging in essential, demand-driven procurement, leading to a decline in trading volumes. As a result, iron-ore prices edged lower before stabilizing.

　　On the supply side, shipments from Australia and Brazil have declined, yet iron-ore inventories at Chinese ports continue to build, now exceeding 179 million tonnes. Meanwhile, blast-furnace utilization rates at Chinese steel mills have edged up slightly, but improvements in downstream demand remain sluggish. Market participants also note reports from China that BHP’s Newman fines may be added to a restricted-supply list, fueling heightened expectations of a tightening supply situation. In the near term, iron-ore prices are expected to remain volatile at relatively high levels.

Keywords: Iron ore prices remain volatile at high levels, with Chinese port inventories surpassing 179 million tonnes.

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Iron ore prices remain volatile at high levels, with Chinese port inventories surpassing 179 million tonnes.

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