China is estimated to import about 301 million tons of iron ore in 2006, an increase of 10 percent from 2005, according to the China Iron and Steel Association.

Last year, China imported 275 million tons of iron ore and produced 349 million tons of crude steel.

The association predicted that China would produce 528 million tons of iron ore this year, an increase of 48 million tons from last year. Total crude steel production is estimated at 384 million tons for 2006 and iron ore demand is predicted to reach 558 million tons.

Source: Xinhua