Research by compiler of financial data Refinitiv indicates that China may import 26.2 million tonnes of iron ore from Brazil this month, the most in any month since Refinitiv began counting in 2015, Reuters reports.

The news agency says demand in China for purer iron ore, such as that mined by Vale SA of Brazil, is increasing because of rules meant to curb pollution in China.

The report says restrictions on burning coal mean Chinese steel mills prefer purer iron ore because it requires less coal to turn it into steel.

The rules now apply in more parts of China than last year, Reuters says.