China’s iron ore imports in September climbed 10.6% from the month before to hit a record high for a single month, as improving demand and higher prices spurred miners to step up shipments.

The world’s largest iron ore consumer brought in 116.33 million metric tons of the key steelmaking ingredient last month, staying above 100 million tons for a fourth straight month, data from the General Administration of Customs showed.

The September volume, which beat analysts expectations of between 100 million and 106 million tons, was up from 105.22 million tons in August and also was 11.7% higher than 104.13 million tons in the corresponding month in 2024.

Prices of the key steelmaking ingredient have gained ground and stayed above the key psychological level of $100 a ton from July, a level that could encourage high-cost miners to ramp up shipments, said analysts.

The average price for iron ore rose by 5.3% in July from the previous month, and then climbed 2.5% in August and 3.6% in September, data from consultancy Steelhome showed.