Market Index tracks the industry standard NYMEX traded 62% Fe, CFR China in $US/metric tonne.
About the Price
Iron Ore (Fe) is mined in around 50 countries worldwide and used to make steel (buildings, cars, white goods etc.).
Global economic growth is the primary factor that drives its supply and demand. When economies are growing, the need for steel in construction increases which drives the price up.
Growth in China (the world’s largest consumer of metals) has affected the price of iron ore so much recently that the spot price can almost be considered a proxy for China’s economic health. Download the 37yr price history.