BHP is the only one of the big four Western Australian iron ore mining firms to operate major coking coal exporting facilities.

India's largest iron ore producer state-controlled NMDC rolled over its prices for a second straight month in October.

The Argus 62pc lump premium stood at 20￠/dry metric tonne unit (dmtu) on 30 September, the highest since June.

Indian private-sector producer JSW Steel has signed an initial deal with US-based finance technology firm Smartex to explore low-emissions steel production.

JISPL's production plunged by 77pc on the year to 30,000t during July to September.

The US shipped 139,162t to China in August, 88.8pc lower than a year earlier and 51.8pc lower than July.

Japan and the US remained Vietnam's top two suppliers and accounted for 58pc of total imports in September.

Steel shipments from US mills fell in August as the market continued to deal with declining prices.