Iron Ore rose to 94.49 USD/T on June 27, 2025, up 0.01% from the previous day. Over the past month, Iron Ore's price has fallen 4.93%, and is down 11.29% 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.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Iron in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

Explore the complexities of predicting iron ore prices influenced by demand-supply dynamics, geopolitical tensions, economic trends, and technological shifts. Understand the impact of global events and regional demand from China and India on future market trajectories.

This statistic depicts the average annual prices for iron ore from 2014 through 2023, with forecasted figures for 2024 to 2026. In 2023, the average price for iron ore stood at 120.6 nominal U.S. dollars per dry metric ton.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Iron Ore in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

After two years of growth, the Canadian iron ore market decreased by -11.1% to $1.3B in 2024. Overall, consumption, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Iron ore consumption peaked at $1.5B in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Forecast: Iron Ore Reported Value in the US 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

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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.
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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

In 2019, the global iron ore market increased by X% to $X, rising for the third consecutive year after three years of decline. In general, the total consumption indicated a pronounced increase from 2007 to 2019: its value increased at an average annual rate of +X% over the last twelve years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2019 figures, consumption increased by +X% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2011 with an increase of X% year-to-year. Global consumption peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2019, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Iron Ore CNY rose to 716.50 CNY/T on June 27, 2025, up 2.36% from the previous day. Over the past month, Iron Ore CNY's price has risen 2.43%, but it is still 13.15% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Iron Ore CNY.

Access global Iron Ore prices in locations such as South America, China, Southeast Asia and Africa. Includes monthly historical series and forecasts. Delivered via online charts, Excel, Power BI, and API. Free preview.

Forecast: Iron Ore Mining Production Value in Spain 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

The Chilean iron ore market stood at $889M in 2024, growing by 11% against the previous year. Overall, consumption continues to indicate significant growth. Iron ore consumption peaked at $1.1B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.

In Q1 2025, the U.S. Iron Oxide market experienced a mix of price increases followed by a sharp decline in March. Prices rose in January due to higher import costs and supply constraints, driven by logistical issues, tariffs, and strong demand from the construction and coatings sectors. February saw a further price increase, influenced by persistent supply challenges and trade disruptions. The anticipation of tariff impacts and stockpiling by contractors temporarily inflated demand, further driving price hikes.

Carbonyl Iron Powder prices in North America registered an average drop of 3.48% in Q1 2025, influenced by weak downstream demand and well-maintained inventory levels amid a shift from winter to early spring. This product is mainly used in nutraceuticals and iron-enriched food applications. As the region moved from winter into early spring, the demand from personal health and fortified food segments saw a gradual decline. The seasonal transition typically softens demand for certain supplements which are more popular in colder months.

Forecast: Value Added of Iron and Steel in the US 2023 - 2027 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Forecast: Value Added in Iron Ore Mining Sector in Brazil 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

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.

In Q4 2024, the Grey Cast Iron market in North America has shown signs of stability amid fluctuating economic conditions. Prices remained unchanged during this period, reflecting a consistent demand backdrop even as the broader manufacturing sector faced challenges. Despite the stable price environment, the sector continues to grapple with a decline in production output and new orders for the fifth consecutive month, attributed to supply chain disruptions and rising input costs.

Hematite: Purest form of iron ore with highest iron content, primarily used in steel production.Magnetite: Contains a high percentage of iron oxide, often used in the production of high-quality steel.Limonite: Hydrated form of iron oxide, suitable for low-grade steel production and iron ore pigments.Siderite: Contains iron carbonate, primarily used in the production of steel and iron castings.Others: Includes iron ore with low iron content or impurities, such as taconite and laterite. Recent developments include: February 2021: Vale S.A. has begun running six self-driving haul trucks at the Carajás iron ore complex in Pará, Brazil. This program is part of a larger plan to improve employee safety, make the business more ecologically friendly, and gain competitiveness., February 2021: Mikhailovsky GOK (a subsidiary of Metalloinvest) announced the agreement with a consortium led by Midrex Technologies and Primetals Technologies to supply equipment for the HBI plant's development. The contract covers mechanical and electrical equipment engineering and supply, steel construction, plumbing, ducting, and training and advising services.. Key drivers for this market are: Infrastructure development and urbanization in emerging economies. Growth in the automotive and construction industries. Technological advancements in iron ore extraction and processing.. Potential restraints include: Depletion of iron ore reserves and environmental concerns. Fluctuating demand and prices due to economic conditions. Political and regulatory uncertainties affecting mining operations.. Notable trends are: Sustainable mining practices and waste reduction. Digitalization and automation in mining operations. Development of new iron ore sources and exploration in remote areas..