China's price of local-produced iron ore has hiked in May, according to the Market Operation and Regulatory Department of the Ministry of Commerce.

   Average price of iron ore was 1,580 yuan per ton in the country in middle May, rising five percent over early the month.

   For regions, factory price of Benxi iron concentrate in northeast China's Liaoning province (tenor 66 percent) was 1,380-1,400 yuan per ton in middle May, an increase of 60 yuan over early May; Wutai iron concentrate in north China's Shanxi province (tenor 64-65 percent) was 1,140-1,150 yuan per ton, up 50 yuan; and Tangshan iron concentrate (tenor 66 percent), 1,560-1,570 yuan per tons, about the same of that early of the month.

   Based on the present sluggish trading on iron ore market and high inventories in various ports and areas, MOC forecast the space for price hike of iron ore is limited in the future time.