BHP(US:BHP) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-11 20:05Core Viewpoint - The article discusses China's strategic shift in iron ore procurement, leading to BHP's acceptance of RMB settlement, marking a significant change in the global iron ore pricing and trading landscape [1][5]. Group 1: China's Iron Ore Market Dynamics - China imports over 1.1 billion tons of iron ore annually, accounting for 75% of global seaborne trade, but has been constrained by a Western-dominated pricing system [3]. - The establishment of China Mineral Resources Group aims to consolidate procurement from major steel companies, transforming the buyer-seller dynamic from "many to few" to "one to one" [3][5]. - BHP's revenue in 2024 was $55.6 billion, with $34.7 billion coming from China, while Chinese steel mills operate with an average profit margin of less than 5% [3]. Group 2: Strategic Responses and Market Changes - In the first five months of 2025, China's iron ore imports decreased by 6%, signaling weakened demand [5]. - China is diversifying its supply sources, with Guinea's Simandou mine set to produce 10 million tons annually by the end of 2025, and Brazilian Vale already accepting RMB settlements [5]. - The procurement ban on BHP's dollar-denominated orders directly impacted its revenue, with a potential loss of over $20 billion annually [5]. Group 3: Implications of RMB Settlement - The shift to RMB settlement allows Chinese companies to avoid risks associated with USD exchange rate fluctuations, which have resulted in cumulative losses exceeding 80 billion yuan over five years [5]. - The transition to RMB for iron ore trading could have a ripple effect, with Vale planning to convert 20% of its trade with China to RMB and Saudi Aramco discussing similar plans for oil [7]. - The establishment of the "Beijing Iron Ore Index" challenges the Platts index, promoting a more transparent pricing mechanism based on domestic port spot trading data [7]. Group 4: Global Trade and Currency Dynamics - Australia's economy could shrink by 0.3% if trade with China continues to be disrupted, as iron ore exports constitute 40% of its total exports [7]. - Other resource-rich countries are adjusting their strategies, with Brazil viewing RMB settlement as an opportunity to reduce USD dependency [7]. - The article highlights the ongoing evolution of global trade rules from a unipolar to a multipolar system, questioning who will ultimately dictate these rules [9].