Shipping Number of the Week , China’s iron ore mining cools as imports rise 6% and steel production weakens

AI Summary

China’s iron ore mining output fell by 7% year-over-year in H1 2026 as imports rose 6% and steel production weakened. The country increasingly sources higher grade, competitively priced iron ore from abroad, with imports now accounting for a higher share of supply.

“In the first half of 2026, Chinese iron ore mining fell by 7% y/y due to a 6% y/y increase in iron ore net imports and weaker steel production. The country is increasingly sourcing its iron ore from abroad because it is often of higher grade and competitively priced. Iron ore net imports now account ...