BHP(US:BHP) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-19 12:23Core Viewpoint - China's decision to suspend the purchase of BHP iron ore priced in USD marks a significant shift in the iron ore market, challenging the pricing power of Australian mining giants and indicating a new era of negotiations based on RMB settlements [2][24]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - On September 30, China Mineral Resources Group notified major steel mills and traders to halt purchases of BHP iron ore priced in USD, including already delivered cargoes [2]. - BHP's request for a 15% increase in long-term contract prices to $109.5 per ton is seen as unreasonable, given the prevailing spot price of around $80 per ton [4][6]. - China accounts for 75% of global seaborne iron ore imports, with an annual import volume exceeding 1 billion tons, yet it has historically lacked pricing power due to the concentrated supply from Australian mining companies [6][11]. Group 2: Financial Implications - From 2003 to 2008, international iron ore prices surged by 337.5%, costing Chinese steel companies over 700 billion RMB [8]. - In 2021, the average import price of iron ore reached $179.1 per ton, contributing $17.3 billion to BHP's net profit, while the entire Chinese steel industry projected a profit of only 70 billion RMB in 2024 [8][11]. - BHP's mining costs range from $18 to $24 per wet ton, allowing for a profit margin exceeding 150% when sold to China at prices above $100 [10]. Group 3: Strategic Shifts - The establishment of China Mineral Resources Group in 2022 consolidated procurement efforts among major steel companies, enhancing negotiation power against international mining firms [17]. - China's diversification of supply chains has reduced its reliance on Australian iron ore, with significant projects like the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea expected to come online by the end of 2025 [19][21]. - The shift towards RMB settlements for iron ore trade represents a strategic move to reclaim pricing power and reduce dependence on USD transactions [28]. Group 4: Market Reactions - Following China's suspension of BHP iron ore purchases, international iron ore prices fell by 3%, and BHP's stock dropped by 6%, resulting in a market capitalization loss of 5 billion AUD [26]. - Australia's economy, heavily reliant on iron ore exports to China, faces potential GDP declines of 1.2% due to the halted purchases [26].