The spot reference price for 62% Fe iron ore cfr North China rose 3.6% to $137.90 for the week ending August 16, 2013, climbing to a five-month high.  The price rose as high as $142.80 on August 14 before falling slightly at the end of the week.

The spot price for iron ore averaged $112.12 in 3Q12, $120.57 in 4Q12, $148.16 in 1Q13, and $125.76 in 2Q13; the full-year 2012 average was $128.30.

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