Queensland could also complicate a deal.

Despite these lukewarm indicators, steel producers who service the construction end markets were positive in their quarterly earnings.

It reiterated its latest guidance to close the deal by year-end, pending US approvals.

Liberty said it “is not idling the facility,” and will resume operations when markets recover.

Imports of iron-ore by China, the world's biggest buyer, in 2024 are expected to be around 1.17-billion to 1.18-billion metric tons, similar to last year's 1.18-billion tons, a senior official of miner Vale said on Wednesday.

With efforts from both sides, the factory gradually emerged from its crisis.

This new route, operated by 12 vessels with a capacity of 14,000 standard containers each, will run on a weekly basis.

JSIS is commissioning three new facilities, a new 0xygen plant,Submerged Arc Furnace and the 6 million TPA Pellet which will make it one of the most integrated steel plants in the region.