Iron ore producers and traders face a weak market with falling prices, and analysts believe these conditions will persist through the third quarter.

During the first four months of the year, about 2.13 million metric tons of iron ore were unloaded at Qinhuangdao port, a major commodity trading port that is seen as an economic bellwether.

The volume was basically flat compared with the same period of last year, according to General Cargo Branch Co, which handles the port's iron ore business.