China’s iron ore imports grew just 8% to 190 million tons in the first half of this year, China Economy reported, citing Ministry of Commerce figures. The rate of growth was down from 14.7% in 2006 and 33.3% in 2005 amid increasing iron ore prices and elevated shipping costs. Despite the slowing imports, crude steel production jumped 20% year-on-year for the first five months to 200 million tons, and steel exports soared 116.7% to 20.16 million tons. ...