This dataset is a market activity dataset, representing the aggregation of provincial 'iron ore' markets within the northwestern region of China, i.e., the 'iron ore' market of China's northwest region. The northwest region of China includes: Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, and Xinjiang. Data sources include the China Communications Yearbook, China Energy Statistics Yearbook, China Statistical Yearbook, and customs statistics from the General Administration of Customs.