The price of steelmaking commodities iron ore and coking coal will drop next quarter for the first time in a year as lower steel production forces global miners Vale of Brazil and UK-listed Rio Tinto and BHPBilliton, to offer discounts on their supply contracts.
The cost of iron ore and coking coal is key to the global economy as it affects steel prices and the cost of everyday goods. It is also crucial for the profitability of the mining and steelmaking sectors, two of the world’s largest heavy industries.
Mining executives and analysts estimate that iron ore prices for the fourth quarter will drop by 10-15 per cent and coking coal prices by 5-10 per cent. The falls will either push down steel prices or widen steelmakers’ profit margins.