Seaborne iron ore concentrate and pellet prices rose in the week ended Friday October 15, benefitting from an uptrend in futures and increased buying interest ahead of upcoming sintering restrictions, market sources told Fastmarkets.
Fastmarkets iron ore indices
Pellet premium over 65% Fe fines, cfr China: $46 per tonne, up $4.10 per tonne
66% Fe concentrate, cfr Qingdao: $149.31 per tonne, up $10.80 per tonne
65% Fe blast furnace pellet, cfr Qingdao: $194.98 per tonne, up $12.22 per tonne
Key drivers
Stronger demand for pellet feed iron ore concentrate was observed in the market this past week, likely prompted by the upcoming sintering restrictions which are likely to start as early as end-October or as late as mid-November, according to sources.
Blast furnace pellet feed concentrate was still able to transact at a premium of $1 per tonne over Fastmarkets' index for iron ore 65% Fe Brazil-origin fines, cfr...