With most world markets still cloaked in a level of uncertainty, most iron ore market participants' focus has shifted to short-term prospects. But, as analysts ponder the outlook for the rest of the year and the beginning of the next, what of the long-term future for iron ore? 2009 so far has seen volatile steel prices, falling international trade and an uncertain outlook on demand forfinished products. But there has been one constant. China's great thirst for steelmaking raw materials has kept iron ore prices relatively constant, although they have declined significantly from their record levels seen last year.
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