Rio Tinto(US:RIO) 智通财经网·2025-07-30 07:05Core Viewpoint - Rio Tinto, the world's largest iron ore producer, reported its lowest half-year underlying profit in five years due to weak iron ore prices driven by oversupply concerns and sluggish demand, offsetting gains from its copper business [1] Financial Performance - For the six months ending June 30, Rio Tinto's underlying profit was $4.81 billion, below market expectations of $5.05 billion, marking the worst half-year performance since 2020 [1] - The interim dividend for the first half of the year was announced at $1.48 per share, down from $1.77 per share the previous year [1] Market Conditions - Iron ore prices declined in the first half of the year due to reduced steel production in China and increased iron ore supply from Australia, Brazil, and South Africa, negatively impacting Rio Tinto's earnings from steelmaking raw materials [1] - A Morgan Stanley report indicated that iron ore prices could rebound to $100 per ton by the end of the year, as the market anticipates China will curb steel industry overcapacity and replenish inventories by the end of 2025 [1] Strategic Focus - The company is shifting its focus towards its copper business in response to the challenging iron ore market conditions [1]