Metal ore (other types) trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in metal ore (other types) was worth $743.4 million in 2024, about 791.1 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 417% since 2017, and up 69% 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 | $743.4M | 791.1K t |
| 2023 | $438.8M | 521.4K t |
| 2022 | $143.8M | 428.0K t |
| 2021 | $96.6M | 107.2K t |
| 2020 | $91.8M | 118.2K t |
| 2019 | $170.2M | 248.1K t |
| 2018 | $218.5M | 113.8K t |
| 2017 | $143.8M | 256.8K t |
Top metal ore (other types) exporting countries
Exports are led by Zimbabwe (33%), Canada (30%) and the United States (13%). 123 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 76%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $246.9M | 33% |
| Canada | $222.4M | 30% |
| United States | $99.5M | 13% |
| Australia | $41.2M | 5.6% |
| Sweden | $30.9M | 4.2% |
| Sierra Leone | $22.5M | 3% |
| Belgium | $10.0M | 1.4% |
| Rwanda | $9.5M | 1.3% |
| Zambia | $8.6M | 1.2% |
| Greece | $7.9M | 1.1% |
| Nigeria | $7.8M | 1.1% |
| Mexico | $5.6M | 0.8% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are China (65%), Mexico (13%) and Malaysia (5%). 107 countries imported it, and the top three take 83% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $485.3M | 65% |
| Mexico | $98.5M | 13% |
| Malaysia | $36.0M | 4.9% |
| Belgium | $31.2M | 4.2% |
| Japan | $28.9M | 3.9% |
| Chile | $17.3M | 2.3% |
| Hong Kong | $14.8M | 2% |
| Namibia | $11.2M | 1.5% |
| Norway | $4.9M | 0.7% |
| Zambia | $3.3M | 0.4% |
| Russia | $2.0M | 0.3% |
| United States | $1.5M | 0.2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.94 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $26.74 per kg and Zimbabwe $0.60 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.
Related product types
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
The shipment records behind Metal ore (other types) (HS 2617.90) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 2617.90: Ores and concentrates n.e.c. in chapter 26: other than antimony. HS 2617 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most metal ore (other types)?
Zimbabwe exported $246.9 million in 2024, 33% of the world total, followed by Canada (30%) and the United States (13%). In all, 123 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most metal ore (other types)?
China imported $485.3 million in 2024, 65% of world imports, ahead of Mexico (13%) and Malaysia (5%). The top three importers together take 83%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in metal ore (other types)?
It was worth $743.4 million in 2024, about 791.1 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 417% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 123 countries reported exports and 107 reported imports.
What is the average price of metal ore (other types) per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.94 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $26.74 per kg and Zimbabwe $0.60 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 metal ore (other types)?
The HS code for metal ore (other types) is subheading 2617.90, in chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 2617 page.
How can I find metal ore (other types) buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of metal ore (other types) by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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