DAILY: Seaborne iron ore index inches up with the lukewarm market liquidity

The seaborne iron ore index edged up, but market liquidity was lukewarm and the secondary market activity remained weak on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The Mysteel SEADEX 61% Fines increased by 0.47% or $0.45/dmt to $95.20/dmt, while the corresponding 62% Low Alumina Fines index increased by 0.40% or $0.40/dmt to $100.40/dmt. Both indices are based on CFR Qingdao.

The overall activity in the primary market weakened compared with yesterday. On public platforms, NF with late-October laycan was traded at a fixed price based on 61% Fe content at $95.80/dmt, while JMBF with the same laycan was traded at a discount of $3.8/dmt against the November 61% fines