Sources say that the Chinese state-owned iron ore purchasing agency has instructed domestic steel mills to suspend receiving BHP's Newman iron ore fines starting next week, further escalating disagreements over contract terms between the two parties.
Previously, the China Mineral Resources Group had restricted steel mills from purchasing BHP's Jimblebar iron ore fines since September 2024. Established in 2022, the agency aims to enhance bargaining power in iron ore pricing through centralized procurement.
Market insiders point out that such measures could affect the short-term iron ore supply structure and have a ripple effect on global ore trade flow.