By: Reuters 17th March 2011 TEXT SIZE SHANGHAI - China's iron ore imports are expected to rise 6%, or by 40-million tons, this year from 2010 to support higher steel output, an official from China's mining association said on Thursday.
Crude steel output in China, the world's largest steel producer, is expected to rise above 670 million tonnes this year, said Xu Xu, chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals and Chemicals Importers and Exporters.
China, the world's top iron ore consumer and steel producer, imported 619 million tonnes of iron ore last year, down 1,4% from 2009.
Xu was speaking at an industry conference, with remarks published on the organizer's website (Umetal.com).
China's crude steel demand is expected to rise between 40-million and 50 million tons this year from 2010, as China has committed to build 10-million units of affordable homes this year, surging 72,4% from last year, which will support consumption for steel products.
Xu also warned that Beijing's moves to tighten liquidity will also further restrict credit flowing to iron ore trading
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