If you look at optical satellite imagery over major industrial ports long enough, you’ll likely notice certain stockpiles that stand out due to their distinct, reddish-brown hues. 

These easily recognizable piles probably contain iron ore, the primary ingredient for making steel. Stockpiles mark an intermediate stage in the iron ore supply chain—a temporary pause in the journey from mine to smelter. 

Will China’s latest moves to shore up the country’s ailing property sector prove effective? And if they do, how long will it take?

The answers to these questions are critical not only for China but also for global investors across multiple sectors, given their exposure to the world’s second-largest economy.

One sector particularly affected is commodities. China’s vast industrial base and large population require substantial amounts of energy, agricultural products, and metals.

Geoffrey Craig, Senior Product Strategist

Iron Ore Series

This is the fourth part in a series describing how satellite-based analytics can provide valuable intelligence for traders of iron ore, the primary input for making steel. In this article, we describe our latest product, which embodies the approach and target audience outlined previously.

Geoffrey Craig, Senior Product Strategist

Iron Ore Series

This is the third part in a series of articles describing how satellite-based analytics can provide valuable intelligence for traders of iron ore, the primary input for making steel. In this piece, we discuss how radar satellite imagery can be utilized to measure stockpile levels.

Geoffrey Craig, Senior Product Strategist

Iron Ore Series

This is the second part in a series of articles describing how satellite-based analytics can provide valuable intelligence for traders of iron ore, the primary input for making steel. In this piece, we discuss how stockpile levels reveal important information on market conditions.

Geoffrey Craig, Senior Product Strategist

Iron Ore Series

This is the first part in a series of articles describing how satellite-based analytics can provide valuable intelligence for traders of iron ore, the primary input for making steel. In this piece, we describe the basics: the major players, pricing, and supply chain steps.