Iron ore prices fell due to weak Chinese demand, rising inventories, and global oversupply risks.

Iron ore prices dipped for the week despite a minor Friday gain, pressured by weakening Chinese demand, rising port inventories, and a struggling property sector. China’s steel export licensing system, set for 2026, faces skepticism from Japan’s steel industry, which blames Chinese subsidies for global overproduction and market distortions. While China’s iron ore imports remain high and steel exports surge, global supply is increasing with new shipments from Australia, Brazil, and Guinea’s Simandou mine, raising concerns of oversupply. Steel futures across China declined, and global prices may face further downward pressure unless demand rebounds.