Iron oxide trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in iron oxide was worth $1.05 billion in 2024, about 1.01 million tonnes. That is an increase of 5% since 2017, and up 6% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1.05B | 1.01M t |
| 2023 | $986.5M | 940.1K t |
| 2022 | $1.46B | 1.05M t |
| 2021 | $1.16B | 1.19M t |
| 2020 | $935.5M | 1.51M t |
| 2019 | $972.2M | 1.01M t |
| 2018 | $1.01B | 1.02M t |
| 2017 | $995.7M | 1.14M t |
Top iron oxide exporting countries
China is the largest exporter with 36% of world exports, followed by Germany and the United States. The top three supply 65% between them, out of 112 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $377.8M | 36% |
| Germany | $257.1M | 25% |
| United States | $46.1M | 4.4% |
| Italy | $39.7M | 3.8% |
| Japan | $36.8M | 3.5% |
| India | $32.3M | 3.1% |
| Brazil | $30.4M | 2.9% |
| Spain | $24.5M | 2.3% |
| South Korea | $22.8M | 2.2% |
| Belgium | $19.1M | 1.8% |
| France | $18.5M | 1.8% |
| Taiwan | $12.3M | 1.2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 23% of world imports, ahead of China and the United Kingdom. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 36% across 188 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $237.7M | 23% |
| China | $102.3M | 9.7% |
| United Kingdom | $34.3M | 3.3% |
| India | $32.2M | 3.1% |
| Italy | $32.1M | 3.1% |
| Germany | $31.9M | 3% |
| Russia | $31.2M | 3% |
| France | $30.9M | 2.9% |
| Mexico | $28.7M | 2.7% |
| Netherlands | $28.2M | 2.7% |
| Canada | $28.1M | 2.7% |
| Belgium | $28.1M | 2.7% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.04 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Italy averaged $3.07 per kg and Spain $0.82 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 2821: Iron oxides and hydroxides; earth colours containing 70% or more by weight of combined iron evaluated as Fe2o3. HS 2821 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most iron oxide?
China exported $377.8 million in 2024, 36% of the world total, followed by Germany (24%) and the United States (4%). In all, 112 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most iron oxide?
The United States imported $237.7 million in 2024, 23% of world imports, ahead of China (10%) and the United Kingdom (3%). The top three importers together take 36%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in iron oxide?
It was worth $1.05 billion in 2024, about 1.01 million tonnes. That is an increase of 5% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $1.46 billion. 112 countries reported exports and 188 reported imports.
What is the average price of iron oxide per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.04 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Italy averaged $3.07 per kg and Spain $0.82 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for iron oxide?
The HS code for iron oxide is heading 2821, in chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 2821 page.
How can I find iron oxide buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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