China: Iron ore prices inch up despite limited spot activity
Iron ore fines (Fe 61%) spot prices remained largely stable, edging up by $0.3/t to $105.8/dmt CFR China on 5 Jan'26 against 2 Jan. The market saw a few trades, mainly in medium-grade fines, but volumes stayed subdued as buying remained need-based. Despite firmer futures, weak finished steel demand weighed on port liquidity, with mills limiting purchases to near-term requirements.