China has lifted its ban on domestic steel mills purchasing iron ore from mining giant BHP Group, ending a months-long trade dispute that had restricted access to one of the world's largest supplies of the steelmaking ingredient. This is significant because China is the world's largest iron ore consumer, so the lift removes a major constraint on BHP's sales into its biggest market and likely eases broader trade friction between the two countries. The resolution came after visits by BHP executives to Chinese buyers, suggesting direct negotiation helped break the impasse.