The mining industry is deeply impacted
by the covid-19 pandemic, and the situation continues to evolve as the virus
spreads throughout the globe.
In its latest report on the coronavirus impact on the iron ore market, Fitch Solutions has revised down most of its 2020 mining and metals production and consumption forecasts and warns it will keep adjusting estimates in the coming weeks.
However, Fitch analysts maintain their iron ore price forecast for 2020 at $85/tonne, as prices remain resilient despite the covid-19 backdrop that has resulted in the decline of other metal prices.
After averaging $90.4/tonne in
2019, iron ore prices have averaged $83.5/tonne in the year to date and are
currently hovering around $81.8/ tonne.
Fitch expects prices to further recover from spot levels in H220 as steel production in China gears up.
Analysts have made downward revisions to their iron ore production forecasts across multiple countries.
Fitch forecasts iron ore production to grow by 0.8% y-o-y in 2020 compared with 4.7% y-o-y in 2019, as a result of government lockdowns around the world causing operational disruptions.
On the demand side, analyst expects stronger steel production by H220 to sustain iron ore demand and support prices
Supply has been disrupted in H120
so far by forced mine shuts in Canada, South Africa, Peru and India, and
seasonal weather also impacted Brazil and Australia.
Chinese domestic iron ore has
been impacted by logistical issues, which has temporarily increased China’s
demand for seaborne iron ore in Q120.
On the demand side, analysts expects stronger steel production by H220 to sustain iron ore demand and support prices.
“In Q120, steel production in
China averaged 3.6% y-o-y, compared with 7.7% in 2019, and we expect growth to
pick up pace by H220 and average 5.0% y-o-y in 2020. Europe steel demand will
be weak in Q220 and could drag iron ore demand lower as well should companies
declare force majeure.”