铁矿石人民币计价一石二鸟，正在做萨达姆与卡扎菲想做未做成的事

Core Viewpoint - China's recent decision to halt the purchase of iron ore from BHP in USD and promote RMB settlement marks a significant shift in the global iron ore trade landscape, reflecting a long-term strategy to reduce reliance on the US dollar and enhance pricing power in the market [1][10]. Group 1: Historical Context - The move parallels historical attempts by leaders like Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi to challenge the dominance of the US dollar, albeit through different strategies; China opts for a pragmatic approach rather than radical political upheaval [3][10]. - China has been the world's largest iron ore importer, with imports reaching 1.237 billion tons in 2024, accounting for 72% of global imports, and imports from Australia alone totaling 743 million tons valued at 564.9 billion yuan [3][5]. Group 2: Market Developments - The Dalian Commodity Exchange introduced iron ore futures for foreign traders in May 2018, which has since become the largest iron ore derivatives market globally, with trading volume 23 times that of Singapore's market [5]. - The push for RMB settlement is supported by a robust market foundation, with cross-border RMB payments reaching 64.1 trillion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of over 20%, making RMB the fourth largest payment currency globally [5][9]. Group 3: Strategic Moves - China's strategy includes a gradual approach, exemplified by the first RMB-denominated spot trading contract signed in October 2019, and the introduction of the "Beijing Iron Ore Index" in 2025, which is based on real transaction data [7][10]. - The breakdown of negotiations for RMB settlement with Australia has led to the current procurement halt, as Australia insists on USD settlement and higher prices, while China seeks a more reasonable pricing mechanism [7][10]. Group 4: Global Implications - The shift towards RMB settlement in iron ore trade is part of a broader trend of restructuring global financial power, with countries like Russia and India also exploring similar currency settlement agreements [9][10]. - The ongoing changes in the global iron ore supply-demand dynamics, with a 5.5% year-on-year decline in China's iron ore imports in early 2025, enhance China's bargaining power in negotiations [10].