Global iron ore exports reached approximately US$145.6 billion in 2025, reflecting a noticeable contraction compared with previous years. This represents a decline of -33.9% from 2021, when total worldwide iron ore shipments were valued at around US$220.2 billion.

On a year-over-year basis, the market also weakened, falling by -5.4% from US$153.9 billion in 2024 to US$145.6 billion in 2025. The decline reflects softer global demand conditions, price adjustments in key importing markets, and shifting supply dynamics across major mining regions.

The global iron ore export market remains highly concentrated among a small group of suppliers. The top five exporters—Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Canada, and Ukraine—accounted for approximately 84.3% of total global export value, underscoring the dominance of major mining economies.

From a regional perspective, Oceania (primarily driven by Australia) remained the leading exporting region, generating about US$78.6 billion, or 54% of global exports. Latin America followed with 22.2%, while Asia contributed 8.1%. Africa accounted for 5.9%, Europe for 5.3%, and North America for 4.5%.

For customs classification, iron ores and concentrates, including roasted iron pyrites, are categorized under HS Code 2601.

Top Iron Ore Exporting Countries in 2025

Australia remained the world's largest iron ore exporter, generating approximately US$78.4 billion, equal to 53.9% of global exports.

Brazil followed with US$29 billion (19.9%), maintaining its position as the second-largest supplier in the global market.

Other major exporting countries included:

1. South Africa (4.2%, $6.14 Billion)

2. Canada (4.2%, $6.06 Billion)

3. Ukraine (2.2%, $3.2 Billion)

4. Sweden (1.9%, $2.8 Billion)

5. Oman (1.9%, $2.7 Billion)

6. China (1.6%, $2.3 Billion)

7. India (1.3%, $1.8 Billion)

8. Peru (1.0%, $1.44 Billion)

9. Russia (0.9%, $1.36 Billion)

10. Chile (0.9%, $1.3 Billion)

11. Malaysia (0.8%, $1.19 Billion)

12. Mauritania (0.8%, $1.18 Billion)

13. Sierra Leone (0.7%, $1 Billion)

Collectively, these 15 countries represented 96.1% of global iron ore exports in 2025, highlighting the extreme concentration of supply among leading producers.

Fastest-Growing Iron Ore Exporters

Despite the overall market downturn, several countries recorded positive export growth between 2024 and 2025.

The strongest expansion was seen in Oman, with exports rising by 42.6%, followed by Russia with 26% growth. Sierra Leone also showed strong momentum with a 21.7% increase, while Ukraine recorded a 13.9% rise, supported by improved export flows.

At the same time, several major exporters experienced significant declines. India recorded the steepest drop at -33.2%, followed by China (-22.7%), Peru (-19.5%), Chile (-16%), and Malaysia (-7.1%). These declines reflect a mix of weaker demand conditions, production adjustments, and shifting trade patterns.

Iron Ore Exporting Companies in 2025

Based on Tendata trade intelligence data, the leading global iron ore exporters in 2025 were: >>Find More Iron Ore Exporters through Tendata

1. VALE SA (44.88%, $12,339.98 Million)

2. COMPANHIA SIDERURGICA NACIONAL (5.98%, $1,643.16 Million)

3. ANGLO AMERICAN MINERIO DE FERRO BRASIL SA (4.71%, $1,294.15 Million)

4. SAMARCO MINERACAO SA EM RECUPERACAO JUDICIAL (3.47%, $955.08 Million)

5. RUNGTA SONS PVT LTD (2.72%, $748.9 Million)

6. UNKNOWN CUSTOMER (1.57%, $431.52 Million)

7. CSN MINERACAO SA (1.37%, $377.47 Million)

8. BHP BILLITON MARKETING AG SINGAPORE BRANCH (1.07%, $295.19 Million)

9. HOPE DOWNS MARKETING COMPANY PTY LTD (1.06%, $291.07 Million)

10. MINERACAO USIMINAS SA (0.94%, $258.86 Million)