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Some steel producers in China’s Jiangsu, Fujian and Yunnan provinces were told by the government to cut production as the country aims to keep its annual output no higher than it was in 2020.

“The government has a relatively strong determination to control steel output this year, which could affect demand for raw materials,” Li Wentao, an analyst with Tianfeng Futures, said.

Meanwhile, China’s imports of iron ore are seen to increase this month, leaving possibilities for an oversupply, Li added.

The most-traded iron ore futures on the Dalian Commodity Exchange, for September delivery, plunged as much as 7.3% to 1,115 yuan ($172.51) per tonne, the lowest since July 2. They closed 5.3% lower at 1,138 yuan per tonne.

According to Fastmarkets MB, benchmark 62% Fe fines imported into Northern China were changing hands for $202.63 a tonne on Thursday, down 5.6% from Wednesday’s closing.