Duanmu Ci frowned. "The current situation in the industry is different from before. Steel companies are making very little profit, and the profit per ton of steel is very low. Therefore, your asking price has exceeded our cost control line. We find it difficult to accept this nouveau riche-style price. We hope you can reconsider." Then he proposed his own solution.

What followed was a heated exchange of words.

Generally speaking, in the early stages of negotiations, it is often referred to as an icebreaker, because when two people who are complete strangers come together, it is easy for awkward silences or pauses to occur, which will undoubtedly deepen the "ice layer" and hinder the progress of negotiations.

However, Joseph easily discovered that this negotiation wouldn't present any awkward or uncomfortable issues. After a series of non-business-related receptions by Duanmu Ci, Joseph felt they had passed the "ice-breaking" phase and could proceed with formal fuel consumption negotiations. For Joseph, who had experienced many negotiations, this one was indeed a very good experience.

A representative from Joseph's side said, "Our iron ore is transported by train from the production area to the coast, then shipped out of the port by cargo ship. After crossing the Pacific Ocean, we still have to pay taxes to your country's customs. This is a huge expense. Does your side only care about its own costs and ignore our interests?"

Duanmu Ci smiled and said, "In 2008, your company suffered greatly during the financial crisis, but you survived the crisis thanks to the strong Chinese market and shareholder investment, and even enjoyed a period of high momentum."

"Based on recent iron ore prices, $70 per ton is already a very reasonable price. Moreover, last year your company's chairman, Forrest, told the media that F company's mining cost was only $40 per ton. So I don't know where your representative's claim of 'high cost' comes from."

Joseph and his team looked rather grim, inwardly blaming their boss for his inability to control his tongue and boast in front of the media. As a result, he had given them ammunition to use against them during the negotiations, putting them at a disadvantage.

After briefly considering his words, Joseph reluctantly retorted, "We're talking about transportation costs here, not mining costs. And even if our mining costs are lower, that doesn't justify your unreasonable price pressure." He paused, "As you know, we also need to repay the debts we incurred during the financial crisis, so we also need profits."

Duanmu Ci crossed his arms and said, “The transportation cost is nothing more than sea freight. If you are willing to make concessions, we are willing to pay this part of the cost on your behalf. I believe this is enough to show our sincerity. This is also a huge sacrifice and concession that we can make for this cooperation!” Sea freight is the lowest cost among all transportation methods, and Duanmu Ci said that he could afford it.

Then came another round of bargaining. Neither side was easy to deal with, and neither was willing to give in at the first touch.

Just as the negotiations were at a stalemate, Duanmu Ci looked up at the clock hanging on the opposite wall, closed the folder in front of him, and said, "Gentlemen, it seems that this round of negotiations must end. The car is downstairs; we can go now."

Joseph's expression tightened. "Are you going to abandon the cooperation?"

This won't do. If the company finds out I messed things up in the first round of negotiations, they'll definitely think I'm negligent! What future do I have then?

Duanmu Ci laughed and said, "How could that be? I mean it's mealtime now, and everything should give way to the food."

Joseph breathed a sigh of relief. "Duanmu, you're right. The dining table is much more important than the negotiating table." He shrugged, trying to sound casual.

The Australian, who was heading to the restaurant for lunch, was completely unaware that Duanmu Ci had once again subtly shortened his negotiation time...

How much time does he have left?

...

...

P: Thanks to the following book friends: [A Man Crazy About Books], [Star Official 1969], [Loulan Tune], [Book Friend **371], [Call Me Brother Chen], [Little Glutton Loves Meat], [Ode to Elegant Songs and Virtues], [frak34], [Five-Five Madman], [You Don't Want Me, She Does], [A Touch of Setting Sun], [Form** End]

p: [Shadow87] [Penguin Save Me] [A Glimpse of Setting Sun] [Form**End]

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p: The generous donations from [A Person Crazy About Books], [Penguin Save Me], [A Glimpse of the Setting Sun], [You Want Me, I Want Her], [The Five-Five Madman], [Ode to Elegance and Virtue], [Loulan Tune], [Star Official 1969], [Call Me Brother Chen], [Little Glutton Loves Meat], [rak34], and [Book Friend **371]!

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