China’s state‑backed iron‑ore buyer has tightened its grip on Australian producer Fortescue Ltd., adding new limits on the miner’s high‑grade Super Special Fines product. The move follows earlier curbs that forced steelmakers to take delivery before a set deadline. Now the restrictions cover all future purchases, not just portside stock.

The China Mineral Resources Group Co.—created to boost Beijing’s bargaining power—issued the latest directive on July 15, instructing traders to clear cargoes by that date or face a blacklist. Ships that linger past the cutoff will be barred from Chinese ports, triggering costly rerouting and storage expenses for global buyers.

Fortescue’s Pilbara operations have long supplied iron ore to China, accounting for a sizable share of the country’s imports. By expanding the curbs, Beijing signals it will not tolerate inventory delays that could inflate prices. The new rules may prompt the Australian miner to accelerate delivery schedules or seek alternative markets.

Investors will watch how the tighter controls affect Fortescue’s cash flow and its ability to meet contractual obligations. If the miner cannot secure timely export slots, it could trigger penalties and weaken its reputation among steel producers. Chinese policy moves like this underscore the country’s intent to secure a stable, lower‑price supply chain.