Iron ore import levels and prices rebounded as the end of the year is just around the corner and as China, the largest buyer of iron ore in the world, increased imports to record levels. The picture was pretty gloomy in the beginning and through the spring of this year, when iron ore stockpiles were at their lowest level since 2009. But late summer demand for iron ore, predominantly from Chinese steel companies, whose production schedule has been booming, pulled the market out of its slump. November saw record numbers of iron ore imports, stockpiling and price increases. Analysts are predicting a strong finish for the year, as iron ore producers face not only increased global demand but also strong demand, at least for now, from the Chinese market. Continue reading →