Iron Ore: BHP Downplays China Dispute as Negotiations Remain Ongoing

Iron ore sits at the heart of Australia’s trade with China, the world’s biggest buyer of the metal used to make steel. But in October 2025, headlines sparked concern when reports suggested tensions between BHP Group and Chinese buyers were rising. China’s state-backed China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG) was said to be pushing for lower prices and more deals in yuan instead of US dollars. Some media even hinted at a short-term suspension of BHP shipments.