Iron Ore Holds Steady After Chinese Trade Data

Iron ore futures hovered around CNY 786 per tonne on Monday, showing muted movement as traders assessed China’s latest trade figures. Data showed Chinese exports rose 4.4% in August, the slowest pace in six months, with shipments to the US plunging 33% under tariff pressures. Imports grew 1.3%, missing forecasts of 3%, weighed by ongoing property sector weakness and rising job insecurity. Still, iron ore imports picked up as buyers prepared for increased industrial activity, totaling 105.23 million tonnes in August, up 0.6% from July. In related flows, steel product imports rose 11.1% to 0.50 million tonnes, while steel exports fell 3.4% to 9.51 million tonnes.