BHP trims dividend to 8-year low amid weak China demand

BHP will pay its lowest interim dividend in eight years after a 23 per cent drop in profit. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

BHP will pay its lowest interim dividend in eight years after a 23 per cent drop in underlying profit, amid a weak demand from China for the raw materials used for making steel.

The Big Australian will pay shareholders an interim dividend of US50 cents ($A0.78) per share, down from US72 cents ($1.13) per share a year ago.