Costs in Focus as Price Pressure Continues in the Market
Low iron ore prices and fewer deliveries are putting pressure on LKAB´s profitability. Meanwhile, effects to reduce costs are having a positive effect. Operating profit for the second quarter totalled MSEK-228 (-417).The world´s major iron ore producers continue to increase their production volume despite an oversupply of iron ore. Given the market situation, demand for LKAB´s high-grade iron ore products remained stable and the pellet premium is in line with last year, which favours LKAB with a pellet proportion of 84 (83) percent for the quarter. Deliveries totalled 5.3 (6.0) Mt.