Most of the capital goods in China posted lower prices in late October compared with mid-October, official data showed Friday.

Semiconductor shortages, as well as other logistical issues, have roiled automotive production in the US and around the globe since 2021. Lower automotive production rates have subsequently cut demand for steel in the sector.

Since its first iron ore shipment to China in 1973, Rio Tinto has supplied China with more than 3.5 billion tons of high-quality iron ore.

The two contracts have gained momentum on high volatility in the physical market that attracted greater futures interest.

These include changes to the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and a new levy on imports under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to prevent carbon leakage.

The sites receiving ResponsibleSteel certification were POSCO’s Pohang and Gwangyang Steelworks in South Korea and Tata Steel’s Jamshedpur site in India.

Earlier this year, the association had forecast steel demand to drop by 1.7% in 2022.

“As a nation are very clear and very respectful of our treaties and our agreements,” Hernando said.