25.02.202605:49:47UTC+00Iron Ore Rises as China Resumes Activity

Iron ore futures rose above CNY 750 per ton in late February, rebounding from seven‑month lows as economic activity in China resumed after the Lunar New Year holiday and steel mills were expected to ramp up production. However, analysts still anticipate that China’s steel demand will contract in the first half of the year, which could cap the potential for a sustained price rally. Concerns over oversupply also lingered, with iron ore inventories at Chinese ports climbing to their highest level since February 2022. At the same time, market participants are evaluating the impact of a recent US Supreme Court tariff ruling, which may trigger additional protectionist measures and further strain global trade flows. On the corporate front, Fortescue posted a 23% increase in first‑half profit, driven by record iron ore shipments and stronger realized prices. Meanwhile, Australia is closely watching ongoing negotiations between major iron ore miners and China’s state‑backed purchasing entity, mindful of the potential fiscal impact if iron ore prices move lower.