Insight
Chinese iron ore imports: Is China increasingly a price-sensitive buyer?
*Please note that this report only includes an Excel data file if this is indicated in "What's included" below
Report summary
China appears to be becoming an increasingly price-sensitive commodities buyer. Chinese crude oil imports indicate a pronounced negative correlation between prices and imports, a trend that is expected to continue as China’s buyer profile becomes more price-sensitive. As the world's largest iron ore consumer, China's import patterns are crucial in shaping global market dynamics. The evolution of China's buyer profile has implications for the iron ore market, and market participants must understand these trends and their impact on price fluctuations.
Table of contents
-
Is China now a price-sensitive iron ore buyer?
- Chinese crude oil imports: China's recent crude oil import and stockpiling trends suggest refiners are adjusting their buying behaviour based on prices.
- Are we seeing China becoming increasingly opportunistic with its iron ore imports?
-
Is China pursuing alignment of its iron ore imports with the trends observed in its crude oil imports? What obstacles hinder China from adopting a similar import strategy to that seen in the oil sector?
- What are the challenges? and remedies? Can they be overcome?
- REMEDY 1
- CHALLENGE 2: INVENTORIES
- REMEDY 2
- REMEDY 3
- Conclusion
Tables and charts
This report includes the following images and tables:
-
Figure 1. Chinese iron ore imports (annualised) and priceFigure 2. Chinese iron ore imports (annualised) - SeasonalityFigure 3. Chinese iron ore inventories at ports and mills - Seasonality
-
Figure 4. China total steel inventories - SeasonalityFigure 5. Chinese iron ore imports by originsFigure 6. Shares average 2017-23 periodFigure 7. China iron ore inventories (annual)
What's included
This report contains:
Other reports you may be interested in
Country Report
Global iron ore supply summary 2025
Iron ore margins remain strong in 2025. Avg cost: US$59.8/t. Capex rises to US$17.2B, driven by quality upgrades and emissions goals.
$6,750
Insight
Value-in-use iron ore costs Q3 2025
Q3 2025 iron ore value-in-use adjusted costs are up 2.2% compared to last quarter, and margins remain at 40% in Q3 2025.
$5,000
Insight
CMRG's role in the iron ore market
Examining the stabilisation efforts and market impact
$1,050
