BHP is the only one of the big four Western Australian iron ore mining firms to operate major coking coal exporting facilities.

India's largest iron ore producer state-controlled NMDC rolled over its prices for a second straight month in October.

JISPL's production plunged by 77pc on the year to 30,000t during July to September.

The Argus 62pc lump premium stood at 20￠/dry metric tonne unit (dmtu) on 30 September, the highest since June.

Steel shipments from US mills fell in August as the market continued to deal with declining prices.

Japan and the US remained Vietnam's top two suppliers and accounted for 58pc of total imports in September.

US steelmaker Nucor is expecting to roll its first plate at its new Brandenburg, Kentucky, mill by the end of the year.

However, the tender price was lower in the later stage, and the volume was reduced.