China: Iron ore prices inch up $1/dmt ahead of Chinese New Year holidays
Iron ore fines (Fe 61%) spot prices inched up by $0.75/t to $109.25/dmt CFR China on 12 Jan against 9 Jan'26. Trading was subdued, with activity limited to medium-grade fines. Restocking ahead of the Chinese New Year lent some support to prices, but rising input costs weighed on mill margins. As a result, most mills are on cautious stance, taking a wait-and-watch approach at current levels.