Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-11-09 18:22Core Viewpoint - The article discusses China's significant progress in gaining pricing power over iron ore, transitioning from a passive role to one where it can influence negotiations and pricing, a change that has taken 30 years to achieve [1]. Group 1: Historical Context - From 1980 to 2009, international iron ore pricing was dominated by a few mining companies and steel mills, leaving Chinese steel mills with no bargaining power [3]. - After the collapse of the long-term contract system in 2009, financial capital entered the market, leading to a new pricing mechanism based on the Platts index, which shifted the focus from supply-demand to financial speculation [3][10]. Group 2: Strategic Developments - China has established its own iron ore price index, incorporating domestic supply and demand, which has helped break the monopoly of the Platts index [3]. - The Chinese government has promoted resource integration by forming large state-owned enterprises to consolidate purchasing power, enhancing negotiation strength [5]. Group 3: Changes in Transaction Methods - A significant shift has occurred in settlement methods, moving from dollar-denominated transactions to negotiations in RMB, which represents a strategic move away from the dollar system [6][8]. - The development of the Simandou mine in Guinea, where Chinese companies have become key stakeholders, provides a strategic supply advantage [6][8]. Group 4: Infrastructure and Supply Chain Control - China's investment in infrastructure, including railways and ports, has enabled efficient transportation of iron ore, demonstrating control over the entire supply chain [8]. - With established pricing indices, centralized purchasing, and reliable supply sources, China can now negotiate from a position of strength, impacting the profitability of mining companies [8][10]. Group 5: International Reactions and Future Outlook - International reactions have been marked by surprise, acknowledging a potential shift in the global iron ore pricing landscape due to China's long-term strategic investments [10]. - The current situation reflects a significant change from being excluded from pricing discussions to being able to set conditions, indicating a gradual but impactful transformation in the industry [12].