Asia
In Asia, iron ore prices remained mostly steady with occasional upward pressure during the fourth quarter of 2025. China continued to import large amounts of iron ore to maintain port stocks, even though steel production was slower than usual. Strong demand from industrial projects, renewable energy, and electric vehicle-related steel helped support the market. Some temporary supply issues, including disagreements with major exporters and changes in mine outputs, caused short-term fluctuations. Buyers were cautious, balancing inventory management with opportunities from competitive suppliers in Brazil and other regions. The spot prices in the Chinese market settled at around 114 USD/MT in December’25. Overall, the Asian market showed stability despite minor ups and downs.
Europe
In Europe, iron ore prices rose moderately during the quarter as steel demand began to recover. Mills and distributors focused on rebuilding inventories, often sourcing from alternative suppliers due to limited access to some traditional sources. High energy costs continued to challenge operations, making buyers selective in their purchases. Despite these constraints, improving interest from the steel sector and careful restocking contributed to a slight upward trend. Market sentiment was cautiously optimistic, with buyers trying to secure material before year-end while managing cost pressures.
North America
In North America, iron ore prices stayed relatively stable, showing only limited upward movement. Domestic production met moderate demand, and end-users in construction and manufacturing remained careful with buying. Rising global inventories and oversupply kept price gains modest. Towards the end of the quarter, activity increased slightly, but most buyers waited for clearer market signals before committing to larger purchases.