The 67.5% Fe pellet-feed premium increased to $2.30 per dmt, its highest level of 2026, supported by tighter Chinese domestic concentrate availability. Higher coke and sintering costs encouraged greater interest in direct-charge materials, including pellet feed and pellets. Indian pellet trading remained limited because domestic Indian prices were more attractive than exports. Nevertheless, strengthening feedstock premiums continued to provide cost support to the seaborne pellet market.
