Iron Ore Tumbles as China’s Steel Sector Revamp Curbs Demand
Iron ore fell to a two-month low in Singapore amid expectations for steeper cuts in Chinese steel production through the year-end.
(Bloomberg) -- Iron ore tumbled on expectations demand will wane as China deepens steel production cuts in its drive to clean up the industry.
The material is under mounting pressure -- futures in Singapore have plunged 18% in two weeks -- as Beijing steps up measures to reduce pollution from one of its dirtiest industries. Shagang Group, the world’s fourth largest steel mill, said this week that it’s curtailing production and overseas sales to comply with government efforts to cut emissions.
Beijing’s attempts to cap steel output below last year’s record haven’t proved successful so far, with production climbing 12% in the first half from a year earlier. That’s raising expectations that activity will need to be restricted significantly through the end of the year. At the same time, China has unveiled more measures to curb overseas shipments, with the aim of using lower exports and inventories to offset supply shortfalls.
China’s steel curbs are weakening demand for iron ore, Vivek Dhar, commodities analyst at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, said in a note. Keeping production flat this year implies a 12% year-on-year contraction in second-half output. “We don’t expect China’s crude steel output to contract to that extent, but China’s steel production is now facing more headwinds than slowing steel demand.”
Singapore futures plunged more than 9% before trading 7.7% lower at $175.95 a ton by 3:06 p.m. local time. Prices in Dalian closed down 7.9%. Steel rebar futures retreated, while hot-rolled coil climbed in Shanghai.
As well as caps on production, investors are also assessing signs of weaker demand from the property sector, according to Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. China urged five cities to stabilize their local markets after residential housing prices rose too fast in the first half, the People’s Daily reported.
On the supply side, Brazil’s Vale SA, the world’s second-biggest ore miner, said it’s confident of reaching its annual output guidance of 315 million to 335 million tons despite recent disruptions.
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