BEIJING, Aug 4 - China's main ports received 56.5 million tonnes of iron ore imports in July, the second highest monthly total on record, the Ministry of Transport said on Tuesday.

Despite bulging stockpiles and rising prices, imports over the month rose by 35 percent compared with July 2008, a report on the ministry's website said.

Imports over the first six months of 2009 stood at 297 million tonnes, up 29.3 percent compared with last year.

Last week, the China Iron and Steel Association said excess iron ore imports had undermined its position during negotiations with global miners on new long-term benchmark prices.

The association, which has led China's negotiations with Australia's Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Brazil's Vale this year, is urging the government to revoke the vast bulk of the country's iron ore import licences.