Back in the Game: Aditya Birla Restarts Iron Ore Trading

Indian commodities trading firm Aditya Birla Global Trading, part of the diversified Aditya Birla Group, is preparing to restart its iron ore trading operations, three industry sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The Singapore-based company, which trades in agriculture, energy and metals, had suspended its iron ore business in 2022. It is now re-entering the market with a renewed focus on China, according to two of the sources, who requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly.

The decision comes at a time when several trading firms are scaling back or exiting iron ore trading due to record-low price volatility. In contrast, commodities such as aluminium and copper have drawn greater interest from energy traders looking to benefit from stronger and more active markets.

China’s iron ore market, valued at around $132 billion, has experienced relatively muted price movements in recent years. Industry participants attribute this partly to the growing role of state buyer China Minerals Resources Group, which has been consolidating purchases and attempting to stabilise prices.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.