Iron ore futures in top steel producer China jumped more than 3% on Wednesday, underpinned by concerns over supply as traders digested reports of lower import arrivals and shipments departing Australia and Brazil.
The most-traded May contract for the steelmaking ingredient on China's Dalian Commodity Exchange ended daytime session 3.4% higher at 776 yuan ($122.79) a tonne, after touching 776.50 yuan, its highest since Oct. 13.
On the Singapore Exchange, iron ore's most-active March contract was up 0.6% at $138.10 by 0706 GMT, erasing early losses.
Iron ore climbs as major miners face labour shortage in Australia
Supply worries have boosted iron ore prices, which have rebounded this month as China's stepped up monetary easing efforts to shore up its slowing economy.
Major miners Fortescue Metals Group, BHP Group and Rio Tinto have warned of disruptions from labour shortages as Australia faces a surge of Omicron coronavirus variant cases.
The spot price of benchmark 62%-grade iron ore for delivery to China
"The first quarter is the off-season for overseas mine shipments," Zhongzhou Futures analysts said in a note on the company's website. "It is necessary to pay attention to the impact of... weather, epidemics, etc. on mine shipments."
A La Nina weather phenomenon has developed in the Pacific Ocean for the second year in a row, analysts said it could mean greater rainfall and more tropical cyclones in Australia, where the cyclone season usually runs from November to April.
Australia accounts for about 60% of iron ore shipments to China, while Brazil is the second-biggest supplier with a share of about 20%.
Construction steel rebar on the Shanghai Futures Exchange rose 0.4%, while hot-rolled coil gained 0.2%. Stainless steel dropped 0.5%.
Dalian coking coal advanced 0.5% and coke climbed 1.6%.
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