Interfax-China reported that the China Iron and Steel Association which is leading China 2009 annual price talks with the world's top three iron ore miners is approaching other overseas miners for possible long term supplies.
CISA official who asked to remain anonymous said "As China price negotiations with Brazil Vale and Australia Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton are becoming more difficult each year and are again deadlocked this year, the CISA is considering signing long term iron ore contracts with miners from other countries."
The official said the CISA has contacted iron ore miners in other countries including India, South Africa and Ukraine.
The official said "In the short term, China will still depend on the world's top three iron ore miners, even if it secures long term deliveries from other countries as 75% of the world's supply comes from the three. In the longer run however, potential new sources of supply could strengthen China position in the talks."
China iron ore imports from South Africa soared by 94.21% over the H1 of year while imports from Ukraine, Mauritania and Kazakhstan lifted by 164.63%, 154.50% and 105.45% respectively.