BHP Finalizes Deal With China's CMRG to Resume Iron Ore Shipments and Settle in Yuan

BHP Group, the world's largest iron ore miner, has finalized a key supply agreement with China's state-backed buyer China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG) after months of tense negotiations that disrupted markets and steel production. The deal ends a standoff that began last year, allowing Chinese steel mills to resume unrestricted purchases of BHP's seaborne iron ore cargoes, with deliveries set to start as early as next week, according to sources familiar with the matter as reported by Reuters.

The dispute escalated progressively since September 2025, when CMRG—established in 2022 to centralize iron ore buying and secure better terms—banned purchases of BHP's Jimblebar fines. This was followed by curbs on Jinbao fines in November and Newman fines in March 2026, halting key shipments and forcing steelmakers to seek alternatives. Bloomberg reported that the impasse roiled global markets, hampering steel mills' access to essential raw materials and contributing to volatility in dry bulk shipping rates, particularly on the Australia-China Capesize route.

As part of the resolution, BHP has agreed to settle around 30% of its spot iron ore sales to China in yuan rather than U.S. dollars, marking a symbolic shift toward de-dollarization in commodity trade. Market analysts, as noted by Breakwave Advisors, view this as a turning point that eases tensions while reflecting China's push to reduce reliance on dollar-denominated transactions. Ship-tracking data from Kpler already shows two vessels loaded with BHP's Jimblebar fines heading to China, signaling a quick return to normal flows.

The agreement follows diplomatic efforts, including visits by BHP executives to China, and comes amid broader industry pressures. BHP's leadership had publicly downplayed the standoff, with Chair Ross McEwan emphasizing long-standing relationships and commercial negotiations during recent statements. For BHP, which derives significant revenue from iron ore exports to China—its largest customer—the deal stabilizes supply chains and averts further losses, especially as lower iron ore prices also impact Australian government coffers.

This resolution affects a wide range of stakeholders: Chinese steelmakers regain reliable access to high-quality Australian ore, potentially stabilizing domestic production amid economic challenges; BHP secures its market position against competitors like Brazil's Vale and West African suppliers that filled the gap during the ban; and global shipping firms benefit from restored tonne-miles on key routes. While spot market disruptions had briefly boosted freight rates elsewhere, the restart of BHP cargoes could temper those gains.

Looking ahead, the pact covers supply arrangements into 2026, but ongoing talks may shape future pricing and payment terms. BHP's move to yuan settlements could set precedents for other miners, including Rio Tinto, which has been ramping up copper investments amid similar dynamics. Steel industry observers will watch whether this eases broader pricing pressures, as China continues leveraging its buyer power in the $100 billion-plus annual iron ore trade.