Iron ore exports from Nigeria: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, Nigeria exported iron ore worth $3.4 million (35.6 thousand tonnes). That is 42% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 170% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $5.8 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.4M | 35.6K t |
| 2023 | $5.8M | 38.1K t |
| 2022 | $1.3M | 14.5K t |
| 2021 | $45K | 526 t |
| 2020 | $0K | 2 t |
| 2019 | $6K | 70 t |
| 2018 | $11K | 9 t |
| 2017 | $3K | 67 t |
Where Nigeria exports iron ore to
China alone took 100% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.4M | 100% |
| Kazakhstan | $0K | 0% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
| Germany | $0K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
| Hungary | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 2601
| 2601.12 | Iron ore pellets | 97% |
| 2601.11 | Iron ores and concentrates: non-agglomerated | 2.6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2601.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.09 per kg, close to the world average of $0.10.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in Nigeria?
The shipment records behind Nigeria iron ore exports (HS 2601): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
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 2601: Iron ores and concentrates; including roasted iron pyrites.
Common questions
What is the value of iron ore exported by Nigeria?
Nigeria exported iron ore worth $3.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 35.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 61st of 130 countries worldwide. The value was down 42% on 2023.
Which countries buy iron ore from Nigeria?
China was the largest buyer with 100% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by Kazakhstan (0%) and South Africa (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 6 buyer countries in total. South Africa grew fastest among the top ten, up 165% on the year.
What is the average export price of iron ore per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.09 per kg in 2024, 10% below the world average of $0.10 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of iron ore from Nigeria changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3 thousand in 2017 to $3.4 million in 2024. The peak was 2023 at $5.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for iron ore?
The HS code for iron ore is heading 2601. In Nigeria the largest six-digit codes were 2601.12 (97% of the value) and 2601.11 (3%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for Nigeria, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.