Iron Ore fell to 94.75 USD/T on June 23, 2025, down 0.02% from the previous day. Over the past month, Iron Ore's price has fallen 4.75%, and is down 11.07% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Iron Ore - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on June of 2025.

In May 2024, iron ore was valued at approximately 119 U.S. dollars per dry metric ton unit (dmtu), as compared to 105 U.S. dollars per dmtu in the same month of the previous year. Iron ore prices and production Iron ore refers to the minerals and rocks from which metallic iron is economically viable to extract. Pig iron, which is one of the raw materials used in steel production, is derived from iron ore. The price of iron ore has fluctuated a great deal over the last twenty years. In 2003, one dmtu of iron ore cost 30 U.S. dollars, and increased to a high of 168 U.S. dollars per dmtu in 2011. The price saw dramatic drops in the past decade, from 139.87 U.S. dollars per dry metric ton unit in March 2013 to 40.50 U.S. dollars per dmtu in December 2015. Since then, the price has increased gradually to 214.14 U.S. dollars per dmtu as of July 2021, before dropping sharply in August 2021. Iron ore producers Overall, the global production of iron ore did not decrease when the prices dropped. In fact, an increase in production among several of the world's largest iron ore producing countries was observed in the past five years. Australia produced 960 million metric tons of iron ore in 2023. China is also among the world's largest iron ore producers, though its production is calculated differently than in other countries. Based primarily on the production of raw ore rather than usable ore, China produced an estimated 280 million metric tons in 2023.

China Export Price: Iron Ore & Concentrate data was reported at 109.821 USD/Ton in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 101.512 USD/Ton for Feb 2025. China Export Price: Iron Ore & Concentrate data is updated monthly, averaging 135.109 USD/Ton from Jan 2008 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 205 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,112.560 USD/Ton in Feb 2015 and a record low of 57.833 USD/Ton in Jan 2010. China Export Price: Iron Ore & Concentrate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PG: Iron Ore and Concentrate Import and Export Price.

Explore the dynamics influencing the iron ore spot price, a key indicator in global commodities, affected by supply-demand shifts, economic conditions, and geopolitical factors, with significant impacts from major players like China, Australia, and Brazil.

China Import Price: Iron Ore & Concentrate: Africa: Mauritania data was reported at 105.120 USD/Ton in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 90.108 USD/Ton for Feb 2025. China Import Price: Iron Ore & Concentrate: Africa: Mauritania data is updated monthly, averaging 103.268 USD/Ton from Jan 2008 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 204 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 207.346 USD/Ton in Aug 2021 and a record low of 36.169 USD/Ton in Jan 2016. China Import Price: Iron Ore & Concentrate: Africa: Mauritania data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PG: Iron Ore and Concentrate Import and Export Price.

Graph and download economic data for Global price of Iron Ore (PIORECRUSDM) from Jan 1990 to Apr 2025 about ore, iron, World, and price.

Snapshot img

Iron Ore Market Size 2025-2029

The iron ore market size is forecast to increase by USD 60.9 billion, at a CAGR of 3.3% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the increasing consumption of high-strength iron ore in the production of stainless steel. The economic expansion in major consumers China and India is fueling this demand, as both countries continue to invest heavily in infrastructure projects and industrial development. However, this market is characterized by high capital requirements, making it a challenging landscape for new entrants. The need for substantial investment in mining and processing facilities, as well as the rising costs of exploration and extraction, pose significant obstacles for companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities.
Despite these challenges, the potential rewards are substantial, with the ongoing demand for steel and iron ore showing no signs of abating. To navigate these challenges effectively, market participants must stay abreast of the latest trends and developments, including advancements in mining technology and the adoption of sustainable mining practices. Companies that can navigate these challenges effectively, through strategic partnerships, technological innovation, and operational efficiency, are well-positioned to thrive in this dynamic market.

What will be the Size of the Iron Ore Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free Sample

The market continues to exhibit dynamic and evolving characteristics, with various sectors and processes interconnected in intricate ways. Stainless steel, a high-performance alloy, relies on resource estimation and the availability of low-grade iron ore for its production. Waste management plays a crucial role in the mining process, with iron ore mining and mine planning requiring effective strategies to minimize environmental impact. Metallurgical coke, a vital ingredient in steelmaking, is produced through mineral processing and supplied through the complexities of supply chain management. Plate steel, a major application of iron ore, is manufactured using continuous casting and hot rolling, while electric arc furnaces and blast furnaces transform iron ore pellets and pig iron into various steel grades.

Sponge iron, an alternative to traditional ironmaking, is produced through direct reduction, offering potential for reduced carbon footprint. Mine safety, mine closure, and geological surveys are essential aspects of the industry, ensuring efficient and sustainable operations. The market is influenced by commodity markets, geopolitical factors, and environmental regulations. Port handling, rail transport, and sea transport are integral to the logistics of moving raw materials and finished products. Steel production, from open-pit mining to underground mining and from pellet production to pipe steel manufacturing, is a continuous process that adapts to changing market conditions. Futures contracts and quality control are essential tools for managing risk and ensuring consistency in the supply chain.

The ongoing evolution of the market is shaped by the interplay of these various sectors and processes, with each influencing the other in a complex web of interdependencies.

How is this Iron Ore Industry segmented?

The iron ore industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Fines
  Pellets
  Lump
  HBI/DRI


Source

  Surface mining
  Underground mining


End-use

  Steel Manufacturers
  Construction Industry
  Automotive Industry


Application

  Steelmaking
  Construction
  Automotive
  Others
  Non-Steel Applications


Production Process

  Blast Furnace (BF)
  Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    Egypt
    KSA
    Oman
    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Argentina
    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The fines segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Iron ore fines, the crushed form of high-grade iron ore, play a crucial role in the steel production process. Due to their small particle size, they cannot be directly used in blast furnaces as they obstruct the airflow. Instead, they undergo a process called sintering. In this process, fines are mixed with other materials such as pig iron, metallurgical coke, and limestone to form sinter. The use of iron ore fines in sintering allows for better control of the iron ore and

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Magnetite Iron Ore market size will be USD 89514.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.20% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 35805.68 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 26854.26 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 20588.27 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 4475.71 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 1790.28 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% from 2024 to 2031.
The magnetite category is the fastest growing segment of the Magnetite Iron Ore industry

Market Dynamics of Magnetite Iron Ore Market

Key Drivers for Magnetite Iron Ore Market

Growing Urbanization and Industrialization to Boost Market Growth

Steel manufacture uses magnetite as a raw material. Global demand for steel has increased due to the fast growth of both industrialization and urbanization. With a high iron concentration of up to 70%, magnetite iron ore is a fine iron ore that is sought after for use in the making of steel. A number of industries have experienced tremendous expansion recently, including manufacturing, construction, and the automobile sector. The market for magnetite iron ore has been adversely affected by this. Important technology advancements in the mining industry have also accelerated the shift to automation and spawned new technological advancements. This has improved efficiency in the mining sector and the market for magnetite iron ore while lowering labor costs.

Increasing Requirement for High-Grade Iron Ore to Drive Market Growth

There are growing prospects for expansion because of the increasing demand from steel producers for high-grade iron ore. Phosphorus, silica, and other impurities are present in small amounts in magnetite iron ore, but iron content is high. Due to its minimal greenhouse gas emissions, using high-grade iron ore lessens its impact on the environment. This aids producers in meeting air quality standards and lessening their carbon footprint in accordance with government laws. By employing cutting-edge land rehabilitation strategies, low-impact mining methods, and recycling mining waste, mining operations have a smaller negative environmental impact. Enterprises have the chance to employ electric-powered machinery to lower their carbon emissions and adopt an environmentally sustainable approach.

Restraint Factor for the Magnetite Iron Ore Market

High Price of Iron Ore Will Limit Market Growth

The price of iron ore internationally varies due to a number of factors, including disruptions in supply, changes in geopolitical situations, and variations in demand. These factors impact the cost of raw materials for the magnetite iron ore market. In the magnetite iron ore market, volatile prices discourage investment and have an adverse effect on profitability. Governments are enacting laws to incentivize companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. In order to abide by these strict restrictions, which have an effect on their profit margins and restrict their expansion, businesses must invest in energy-efficient and renewable technologies.

Energy-Intensive Processing Requirements

One major restraint in the magnetite iron ore market is the high energy consumption required for processing magnetite into usable iron ore concentrates. Unlike hematite, magnetite has a lower iron content in its natural form and typically requires extensive beneficiation processes such as grinding, magnetic separation, and concentration. These processes are energy-intensive and result in higher operational costs and environmental impact, particularly in regions where electricity or fuel costs are high or where sustainability regulations are strict. This can discou...

China Import Price: Iron Ore & Concentrate: Asia: Pakistan data was reported at 75.543 USD/Ton in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 79.703 USD/Ton for Feb 2025. China Import Price: Iron Ore & Concentrate: Asia: Pakistan data is updated monthly, averaging 70.210 USD/Ton from Feb 2008 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 165 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 167.877 USD/Ton in Aug 2008 and a record low of 28.084 USD/Ton in Dec 2017. China Import Price: Iron Ore & Concentrate: Asia: Pakistan data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PG: Iron Ore and Concentrate Import and Export Price.

Iron ore prices in , May, 2025 For that commodity indicator, we provide data from January 1960 to May 2025. The average value during that period was 48.62 dry metric ton unit with a minimum of 8.77 dry metric ton unit in January 1968 and a maximum of 214.43 dry metric ton unit in June 2021. | TheGlobalEconomy.com

This statistic depicts the average monthly prices for iron ore worldwide from January 2014 through January 2025. In January 2025, the average monthly price for iron ore worldwide stood at 99.58 nominal U.S. dollars per dry metric ton.

Iron Ore stock price, live market quote, shares value, historical data, intraday chart, earnings per share and news.

China Import Price: Iron Ore & Concentrate: Asia: Laos, PDR data was reported at 104.391 USD/Ton in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 105.721 USD/Ton for Feb 2025. China Import Price: Iron Ore & Concentrate: Asia: Laos, PDR data is updated monthly, averaging 99.739 USD/Ton from Jun 2011 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 137 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10,200.000 USD/Ton in Sep 2014 and a record low of 40.555 USD/Ton in Jan 2018. China Import Price: Iron Ore & Concentrate: Asia: Laos, PDR data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PG: Iron Ore and Concentrate Import and Export Price.

Iron ore prices rise to a four-week high due to reduced shipments from Rio Tinto, a weaker dollar, and a potential uptick in steel demand.

Iron Ore Mining Market size will be USD 76619.30 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2024 to 2031.

Iron Ore Fines Market Outlook

The global iron ore fines market size was valued at approximately USD 125 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 190 billion by 2032, growing at a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for steel across various industries, which is the primary driver of the iron ore market. The robust urbanization and industrialization in emerging economies, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, are propelling the demand for iron ore fines as they are a critical raw material for steel production. Additionally, advancements in mining and processing technologies are enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of iron ore extraction, contributing to the market expansion.

The growth of the iron ore fines market is significantly influenced by the surging demand for steel in various sectors, including construction, automotive, and infrastructure development. Steel's versatility and durability make it a preferred material for building skyscrapers, bridges, and transportation systems. The rapid pace of urbanization, particularly in developing countries, is driving an unprecedented need for new infrastructure projects, which, in turn, is boosting the demand for steel. Consequently, this increased demand for steel is directly impacting the iron ore fines market, as these fines are a crucial component in steelmaking. Moreover, the automotive industry is witnessing a shift towards lightweight and high-strength materials, further driving the need for quality steel and iron ore fines.

Another major growth factor for the iron ore fines market is the growing emphasis on sustainable and efficient mining practices. With the global push towards reducing carbon emissions and minimizing environmental impacts, the mining industry is adopting advanced technologies to improve the extraction and processing of iron ore. Innovations such as automation, AI-driven analytics, and environmentally friendly mining techniques are enhancing the productivity of mining operations while reducing waste and emissions. These advancements are not only increasing the supply and quality of iron ore fines but also aligning the market with global sustainability goals, thereby attracting more investments and fostering market growth.

The regional outlook for the iron ore fines market reveals significant growth potential in the Asia Pacific region. This region is expected to dominate the market owing to the presence of major economies like China and India, which are witnessing rapid industrialization and urbanization. China's extensive steel production capacity and infrastructure development projects are major contributors to the demand for iron ore fines. In addition, India’s ambitious infrastructure initiatives and growing automotive sector are further propelling market growth in the region. North America and Europe are also expected to see moderate growth due to the increasing focus on modernizing infrastructure and the automotive industry's shift towards electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are exploring new mining opportunities, with several countries investing in enhancing their mining capabilities.

Grade Analysis

The iron ore fines market is segmented into high-grade, medium-grade, and low-grade iron ore fines, each catering to different industry requirements. High-grade iron ore fines, which contain a higher percentage of iron content, are in high demand due to their efficiency in steel production. These fines reduce the cost of processing and increase the quality of the steel produced, making them highly sought after by steel manufacturers. The demand for high-grade iron ore fines is particularly strong in regions with stringent quality standards for steel production, such as North America and Europe, where industrial applications require top-grade materials to ensure durability and performance.

Medium-grade iron ore fines represent a significant portion of the market and are often utilized by industries that balance cost and performance. These fines are a preferred choice for many emerging economies where steel production is rapidly expanding but cost constraints necessitate the use of more affordable raw materials. In the Asia Pacific region, medium-grade fines are extensively used in construction and infrastructure projects, providing a cost-effective solution while maintaining acceptable quality standards. The flexibility of medium-grade iron ore fines in various applications makes them a crucial component in meeting the diverse needs of global steel production.

Manganese traded flat at 29.35 CNY/mtu on June 20, 2025. Over the past month, Manganese's price has fallen 2.98%, and is down 25.70% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Manganese Ore - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on June of 2025.

The 2020 coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has had a noteworthy impact on commodities prices, including metals such as iron ore. The impact of Covid-19 on the global iron ore industry is apparent from the decline in the average year-to-date price of iron ore as of May 2020 (83.50 U.S. dollars per metric ton) as compared to the average price in 2019 (90.40 U.S. dollars per metric ton). Compared to other metals, however, iron ore prices have stayed relatively resilient, and are expected to recover further during 2020 once China's steel production increases again.

Quarterly iron ore prices have globally declined since the first quarter (Q1) of 2023, when they stood at approximately 126.32 U.S. dollars per metric ton. By Q3 2024, one metric ton of iron ore cost around 100.21 U.S.dollars, representing a decline of about 26 U.S. dollars per metric ton of iron ore worldwide since Q1 2023.

The size of the Iron Ore Market was valued at USD 278.44 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 306.90 billion by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 1.4 % during the forecast period. Iron ore market has been a significant component of the world mining industry, as iron ore has been constantly in demand as a raw material used in steel production. Iron ore remains essential in the production of high-quality steel, which is used to make everything from buildings and bridges to automobiles and machinery, and hence it remains the backbone of the global construction, automotive, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. The market is influenced by trends in steel production, and some of the largest consumers of iron ore are China, India, and Japan, whose massive steel industries drive up the demand for these commodities. The global iron ore market is highly subject to demand fluctuations, which are often linked to the global economic conditions. For instance, during the expansionary phases of the economy, especially in emerging economies, steel demand increases, thereby driving up iron ore prices. Conversely, during the slowdown phases of the economy, demand for steel—and consequently iron ore—may decline. Production and supply chain dynamics also influence the market. Preeminent producers in the global marketplace, Australia, Brazil, and India are also leaders in supply. Recent developments include: In April 2024, Australia-based Strike Resources Limited, an iron ore company, completed its negotiations to sell its Pilbara Paulsens East Iron Ore Project to Australia-based Miracle Iron Holdings for ~USD 13.4 million (A$ 20.5 million). .