China extends ban on BHP iron ore imports – Reuters

China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG), a Chinese state-owned buyer, is extending its ban on iron ore from mining company BHP for the second time in two weeks, Reuters reports, citing sources.

On March 12, CMRG informed Chinese steel mills and traders that, starting next week, they will be prohibited from accepting shipments of Newman fines, a popular BHP product stored in ports. However, according to two sources, customers will still be allowed to accept shipments for the next five business days.

Over the past six months, China has gradually tightened restrictions on consumers and traders purchasing BHP iron ore as it negotiates the terms of its 2026 contract.

Last September, purchases of Jimblebar brand were banned, followed by Jinbao products in November. Last week, traders were ordered to buy fewer new batches of Newman fines, lump ore, and Mac fines, although the directive allowed the purchase of raw materials already stored in ports.

CMRG was established in 2022 to centralize iron ore procurement and obtain better terms from large mining companies.

As previously reported, BHP is looking for alternative buyers for ore amid a contract dispute with China. The company shipped Jimblebar ore to Malaysia and Vietnam in January 2026 and December last year.

As reported by GMK Center, BHP Group recorded record iron ore production in the second half of 2025 (first half of the 2025/2026 financial year), while reporting pressure on prices due to negotiations with the Chinese side on contracts for 2026.