The most-traded September iron ore on China's Dalian Commodity Exchange ended the daytime trading session 0.8% higher at 1 060 yuan ($162.70) a tonne, rising for a third consecutive session.
The steelmaking raw material's front-month May contract on the Singapore Exchange climbed 1.4% to $174.60 a tonne by 0706 GMT, up for a fourth straight session.
"Booming steel production continues to support the iron ore market," analysts at ANZ said in a note.
Spot iron ore prices rose in China last week, with the benchmark 62% Fe grade at $176.50 a tonne on Friday, the highest since March 4, while the less-pollutive 65% Fe hit a record high above $200, SteelHome consultancy data showed.
"Increased scrutiny on emissions is forcing steel mills to use higher-grade iron ore, which is well compensated by strong steel margins," ANZ analysts said.
