Sponge iron trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in sponge iron was worth $430.1 million in 2024, about 1.00 million tonnes. That is a fall of 11% since 2017, and up 18% 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 | $430.1M | 1.00M t |
| 2023 | $364.9M | 725.1K t |
| 2022 | $433.8M | 1.02M t |
| 2021 | $544.9M | 1.29M t |
| 2020 | $233.3M | 844.6K t |
| 2019 | $445.8M | 1.39M t |
| 2018 | $367.9M | 832.7K t |
| 2017 | $482.8M | 1.57M t |
Top sponge iron exporting countries
The United States is the largest exporter with 67% of world exports, followed by India and Libya. The top three supply 84% between them, out of 75 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $288.9M | 67% |
| India | $38.5M | 9% |
| Libya | $35.1M | 8.2% |
| France | $12.2M | 2.8% |
| China | $11.2M | 2.6% |
| Angola | $8.9M | 2.1% |
| Japan | $8.1M | 1.9% |
| Malaysia | $6.7M | 1.6% |
| Belgium | $3.4M | 0.8% |
| Kazakhstan | $3.0M | 0.7% |
| Spain | $2.2M | 0.5% |
| Netherlands | $2.2M | 0.5% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Mexico is the biggest buyer with 37% of world imports, ahead of Austria and Saudi Arabia. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 65% across 136 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $157.1M | 37% |
| Austria | $86.1M | 20% |
| Saudi Arabia | $36.5M | 8.5% |
| Turkey | $28.7M | 6.7% |
| United States | $16.8M | 3.9% |
| Slovenia | $11.5M | 2.7% |
| Sweden | $11.1M | 2.6% |
| France | $9.4M | 2.2% |
| Brazil | $9.4M | 2.2% |
| Indonesia | $6.4M | 1.5% |
| Canada | $6.3M | 1.5% |
| Belgium | $6.2M | 1.5% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.43 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Angola averaged $359.98 per kg and Malaysia $0.17 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?
The shipment records behind Sponge iron (HS 7203.90) 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 7203.90: Ferrous products: spongy ferrous products and iron having a minimum purity by weight of 99.94%, in lumps, pellets or similar forms. HS 7203 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most sponge iron?
The United States exported $288.9 million in 2024, 67% of the world total, followed by India (9%) and Libya (8%). In all, 75 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most sponge iron?
Mexico imported $157.1 million in 2024, 37% of world imports, ahead of Austria (20%) and Saudi Arabia (8%). The top three importers together take 65%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in sponge iron?
It was worth $430.1 million in 2024, about 1.00 million tonnes. That is a fall of 11% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $544.9 million. 75 countries reported exports and 136 reported imports.
What is the average price of sponge iron per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.43 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Angola averaged $359.98 per kg and Malaysia $0.17 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 sponge iron?
The HS code for sponge iron is subheading 7203.90, in chapter 72 (iron and steel). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 7203 page.
How can I find sponge iron buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of sponge iron by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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