China Ore Imports, Down in April, Unlikely to Rise, Arctic Says

China’s iron ore imports, down 11 percent in April from the month before, are unlikely to rise from current levels in May and June as the world’s biggest steelmaker curbs output, Arctic Securities ASA said.

China imported 52.9 million metric tons of iron ore in April, down from 59.5 million tons in March, according to data from the country’s General Administration of Customs. Buyers were deterred by higher prices, Hu Kai, an analyst with researcher Umetal.com, said. Import prices at Tianjin port rose 5.3 percent in April, according to Steel Business Briefing Commodities Research.