Consolidated procurement and waning demand give Beijing an edge in negotiations

20260406N BHP iron ore

Ships wait to be loaded with iron ore in Western Australia. Australia’s resource majors are taking different approaches to negotiations with China. © Reuters

SYDNEY — Australia’s major resource producers are coming under pressure from China on iron ore prices, with a Chinese state-owned procurer curtailing purchases from BHP Group while other Australian mining giants reportedly agree to change pricing benchmarks.