Sunday, April 19, 2009

Daily Steel News - 18 Apr 09

Iron ore price likely to drop by 30% at least
Annual iron ore price-contract negotiations between the world's biggest miners from worldwide and steelmakers from China are intermitting because steel makers from China still disagree with contract price of miners from worldwide. But, most experts predicted steelmakers from China will possibly win sharp discounts from last year's price finally. Nearly 80 percent of iron ore around the world is sold to China's steel makers every year. Steelmakers side said due to the economy slowdown and weak demand, iron ore price should be half cut from 2008 levels, which would mean 2009 price of down to about US$40~45 dropping from US$82.5~87.5 of 2008. Iron-ore producers side think likely iron-ore price will cut at least 30 percent.