The spot reference price for 62% Fe iron ore cfr North China climbed daily for the week ending October 11, 2013, increasing 1.3% from $131.40 to $133.10 and reaching the highest price in the past month.

The spot price for iron ore averaged $120.57 in 4Q12, $148.16 in 1Q13, $125.76 in 2Q13, and $132.57 in 3Q13; the full-year 2012 average was $128.30.

The post-recession low was $59.10 on March 27, 2009, while the high was $191.90 on February 17, 2011.

Source: The Steel Index