Platts opens consultation on IOPEX domestic Chinese iron ore port stock indices

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, is opening a consultation to invite feedback on the assessment methodology and specifications for its IOPEX domestic Chinese iron ore port stock indices.

Platts daily IOPEX assessments, launched August 1, 2017, reflect prices of medium-grade iron ore fines port stocks in Northern China (Caofeidian and Jingtang) and Eastern China (Rizhao and Qingdao) in Yuan/wmt. Platts IOPEX coverage also includes brand assessments of Pilbara Blend Fines and Newman Fines.

Platts additionally publishes the IOPEX 62% Fe import parity price (IPP) for both regions in dollars per dry metric ton, after accounting for port charges, VAT and the prevailing exchange rate, allowing for more convenient comparisons to be made with prices of seaborne cargoes.

The Chinese portside market complements the seaborne market in the global iron ore supply chain. Spot trading of iron ore stockpiles at the respective ports captures shorter domestic delivery times and smaller lot sizes.

As part of its commitment to open and transparent pricing and product specifications, Platts is seeking feedback on its IOPEX assessments and methodology at a time of changing conditions in the portside market with growth observed in trading activity and number of participants. Platts invites comment from all market participants and stakeholders on IOPEX specifications including regions and locations, grades, brands and normalization factors.

The full IOPEX specifications can be found here: https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/PlattsContent/_assets/_files/en/our-methodology/methodology-specifications/global_iron_ore.pdf

The Platts assessment methodology is available here: https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/plattscontent/_assets/_files/en/our-methodology/methodology-specifications/platts-assessments-methodology-guide.pdf

This consultation relates to the following Platts assessments:

The assessments are published on fixed page 0120 of the real-time Platts Steel Alert and Platts Metals Alert, on SBB Steel Markets Daily, on Platts Dimensions Pro, in Platts Market Center and in the Platts price database.

Please send all feedback to IODEX@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by Jan. 31, 2023. For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing.

Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.