The spot reference price for 62% Fe iron ore cfr North China rose 3.8% to $141.00 for the week ending April 12, 2013, the highest since March 12, 2013, but still some 11.3% below the 2013 high of $158.90 on February 20.

The spot price for iron ore averaged $139.35 in 2Q12, $112.12 in 3Q12, and $120.57 in 4Q12; this compares to an average of $128.30 for full-year 2012.

The post-recession low was $59.10 on March 27, 2009, while the high was $190.19 on February 17, 2011.

Source: The Steel Index