WEEKLY SUMMARY: China's iron ore prices rise, spot coke decline

Chinese prices for imported iron ore increased in both spot and futures markets during March 2-6, mainly supported by better market sentiment and higher freight rates as the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East has disrupted oil supplies. Meanwhile, metallurgical coke prices in the country dropped during the same survey period following a new round of price cuts initiated by domestic steelmakers.

Integrated steelmakers in North China have been mandated to rein in their blast furnace operations to ensure good air quality during the "Two Sessions" that will last from March 4 to around March 12, as reported. As a result, the average capacity utilization rate of blast furnaces among the