Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-31 08:12Core Viewpoint - The article discusses China's significant progress in gaining pricing power over iron ore, transitioning from a passive role to an active one in the global market, particularly by the end of 2025 [3][11][23]. Group 1: Historical Context - Since the establishment of the global iron ore long-term contract mechanism in 1981, China, as the largest consumer, has been dominated by Western countries like the US and Australia in pricing power, leading to substantial profit losses [1][3]. - The pricing system centered around the US S&P iron ore index has constrained Chinese enterprises for over four decades, limiting their negotiation power [5][7]. Group 2: Recent Developments - In December 2025, major mining companies, including Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group, announced a shift from the US S&P index to pricing standards more aligned with China's market realities, marking a significant change in the pricing dynamics [11][13]. - This shift is a result of long-term negotiations with China's Mineral Resources Group, which has consolidated purchasing power, allowing China to negotiate on equal footing with global mining giants [9][11]. Group 3: Impact of Renminbi Internationalization - The move towards Renminbi (RMB) settlement for iron ore trade, initiated by BHP in October 2025, has opened avenues for reducing reliance on the US dollar, enhancing China's bargaining position [17][19]. - The transition to RMB settlement not only mitigates exchange rate risks for Chinese companies but also creates a closed-loop system for raw material imports and finished product exports, lowering transaction costs [19][21]. Group 4: Significance of Pricing Index Change - The adoption of local pricing indices, such as the "My Steel" index, reflects a shift in the international mining community's recognition of China's market influence, allowing China to move from being a price taker to a price maker [21][23]. - This change in pricing benchmarks is seen as a milestone, as it aligns more closely with China's actual supply and demand, benefiting the local steel industry [21][23].