China: Import ban on low-grade iron ore
Description
On 8 April 2010, the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals and Chemicals Importers and Exporters (CCCMC) has banned Chinese trading houses from importing low-quality iron (below 60% Fe). This CCCMC directive is reported in various international press articles (including Financial Times, Reuters, Steelguru, Mining Exploration News, DNA, Chinamining.org, The Times of India). Official documents by CCCMC are not available online.
According to The Times of India, on 27 May 2010, the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) advised ore buyers at a conference to stop buying low grade ores. It is mentioned that no formal notification has been issued by CISA.
This ban concerns mainly India, the world's third-largest iron exporter, as India's ore generally has an iron content of 55 to 58 percent (Financial Times, 8 April 2010).
Any Evidence-Based Deliberation:
| Question | Result |
|---|---|
| Is there anything in the public record to suggest that evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed measure was considered during official deliberations? | |
| Is there any evidence that alternatives to the proposed measure were considered? | |
| Is there anything in the public record that suggests that empirical evidence informed the comparison across the alternatives available to government? | |
| Was such evidence identified? | |
| Is such evidence publicly available? | |
| Did the official decision-maker in question provide an explanation as to why a chosen measure was favoured over alternatives? | |
| Is there any evidence to suggest that potentially affected trading partners were consulted before the measures were taken? | |
| Is there any evidence that safeguards have been put in place to ensure that implementation of the initiative is transparent and non-discriminatory? | |
| Did the government state its intention to review the measure within one year of implementation? |
Date Discovered:
Implemented: Yes
Date of inception: 8 Apr 2010
GTA Evaluation: Amber
Source:
-Financial Times, 8 April 2010 (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/eedfe8d0-4335-11df-9046-00144feab49a.html
-Steel Guru, 23 April 2010 (http://www.steelguru.com/news/raw_material_news/MTQyNTM0/Chinese_ban_of_...)
-Mining Exploration News (http://paguntaka.org/2010/04/09/chinas-iron-ore-trade-associations-prohi...)
-DNA, 21 April 2010 (http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_china-traders-bristle-at-india-ore-...
-Chinamining.org/ Reuters, 9 April 2010 (http://www.chinamining.org/Policies/2010-04-09/1270778478d35348.html)
-The Times of India, 27 May 2010 (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/biz/india-business/Chinese-ban-to-hit...)
Government Response:
- 982 reads
