BHP iron ore chief says sees $80 iron price too low

PERTH, March 11 (Reuters) - BHP Billiton BHP.AX BLT.L said forecasts for iron ore prices to fall as low as $80 a tonne appeared low, despite the market moving into oversupply this year.

"Our view is that the long term is robust. We are in a bit of a dip but I don't think we should draw a line over just the past few days ... $80 feels a little low," BHP iron ore division head Jimmy Wilson reporters on Tuesday.

Iron ore has averaged $125 a tonne since January 1, 2014, although the spot price is now about $104, the lowest in eight months.

Analysts blame waning demand from China, which buys almost all of BHP's ore for the retreating price.

(Reporting by James Regan; Editing by Richard Pullin)

((jim.regan@thomsonreuters.com)(+612 9373-1814)(Reuters Messaging: jim.regan.reuters.com@reuters.net))

Keywords: AUSTRALIA BHP/IRONORE