How is seaborne iron ore priced into China?

Seaborne cargo prices are referenced to the daily Platts IODEX 62% Fe CFR North China index or the Fastmarkets 62% / 65% Fe indices, with value-in-use adjustments (penalties or premiums) applied per 1% Fe differential, silica, alumina, phosphorus, and moisture content.

What vessel sizes discharge iron ore at Chinese ports?

The overwhelming majority of deep-sea cargo moves in Capesize (170,000–180,000 DWT) and Newcastlemax (205,000–210,000 DWT) bulk carriers, with mega-terminals like Dongjiakou and Shulanghu regularly handling 400,000 DWT Valemax ore carriers directly alongside.

What documents are required for GACC customs entry?

Bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, weight certificate (draft survey), chemical analysis certificate, and radiation inspection report. GACC conducts random environmental and quality sampling upon berth arrival.

Can CBIL arrange chartering for China iron ore voyages?

Yes. Our chartering desk LaycanDesk fixes Capesize and Newcastlemax bulkers from Australia (Port Hedland, Dampier), Brazil (Ponta da Madeira, Tubarão) and South Africa (Saldanha Bay) to Qingdao and Bohai discharge ranges.

North Asia · China

Iron Ore Fines Suppliers CFR China (Qingdao, Caofeidian & Ningbo)

Deepwater Capesize iron ore fines discharging at major Bohai Rim and Yangtze River delta steelmaker hubs

China's steel industry is the gravitational center of the global seaborne dry-bulk market, importing over 1.18 billion tonnes of iron ore under HS 2601.11 annually. Sintering fines grading between 60% and 65% Fe represent more than 75% of total import volume, consumed across blast furnace complexes in Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu and Liaoning. Australian Pilbara blends (PB fines, Newman, MAC) and Brazilian Carajás and Southern System fines anchor coastal supply, while Indian high-grade fines and Canadian concentrates provide vital spot balancing for sinter bed permeability.

Discharge takes place at world-class deep-draft terminals capable of accommodating Capesize, Newcastlemax and 400,000 DWT Valemax carriers, including Qingdao (Dongjiakou), Caofeidian, Ningbo-Zhoushan (Shulanghu) and Rizhao, with grab discharge rates exceeding 40,000 MT per day. Under General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) Decree 240, imported iron ore undergoes port-of-entry radio-activity scanning, solid waste screening, and inspection of moisture and chemical composition (Fe, SiO2, Al2O3, P, S). CBIL arranges spot and long-term contracts from verified mining houses in Australia, Brazil, India and South Africa, verified by CCIC, SGS or CIQ-approved independent surveyors at loading and discharge.

Need the ship as well? Our chartering desk prices capesize iron ore freight on LaycanDesk.

The market in figures

China annual imports: Over 1.18 billion tonnes under HS 2601.11
Primary entry terminals: Qingdao (Dongjiakou) · Caofeidian · Ningbo-Zhoushan · Rizhao
Standard benchmark grades: 62% Fe Sintering Fines · 65% Fe Brazilian Carajás Fines
Vessel classes: Capesize (180,000 DWT) · Newcastlemax (210,000 DWT) · Valemax (400,000 DWT)
Customs tariff: 0% MFN Basic Customs Duty; 13% statutory VAT at port clearance
Regulatory inspection: GACC solid waste and chemical composition clearance (CIQ/CCIC)

Landed values are the importing country's declared CIF, not CBIL prices.

Questions buyers ask

How is seaborne iron ore priced into China?: Seaborne cargo prices are referenced to the daily Platts IODEX 62% Fe CFR North China index or the Fastmarkets 62% / 65% Fe indices, with value-in-use adjustments (penalties or premiums) applied per 1% Fe differential, silica, alumina, phosphorus, and moisture content.
What vessel sizes discharge iron ore at Chinese ports?: The overwhelming majority of deep-sea cargo moves in Capesize (170,000–180,000 DWT) and Newcastlemax (205,000–210,000 DWT) bulk carriers, with mega-terminals like Dongjiakou and Shulanghu regularly handling 400,000 DWT Valemax ore carriers directly alongside.
What documents are required for GACC customs entry?: Bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, weight certificate (draft survey), chemical analysis certificate, and radiation inspection report. GACC conducts random environmental and quality sampling upon berth arrival.
Can CBIL arrange chartering for China iron ore voyages?: Yes. Our chartering desk LaycanDesk fixes Capesize and Newcastlemax bulkers from Australia (Port Hedland, Dampier), Brazil (Ponta da Madeira, Tubarão) and South Africa (Saldanha Bay) to Qingdao and Bohai discharge ranges.