Iron ore pellets exports from the United Arab Emirates: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of iron ore pellets by the United Arab Emirates reached $40.1 million in 2024 (407.0 thousand tonnes). That is 50% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 28% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $179.6 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 | $40.1M | 407.0K t |
| 2023 | $79.9M | 530.2K t |
| 2022 | $133.7M | 883.6K t |
| 2021 | $57.0M | 348.4K t |
| 2020 | $17.6M | 147.7K t |
| 2019 | $179.6M | 1.56M t |
| 2018 | $24.3M | 218.3K t |
| 2017 | $7.3M | 96.9K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates exports iron ore pellets to
The largest buyer markets were Malaysia (42%), China (36%), Indonesia (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Indonesia grew fastest (+457% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $17.0M | 42% |
| China | $14.6M | 36% |
| Indonesia | $6.6M | 16% |
| Kenya | $1.9M | 4.8% |
| Malawi | $3K | 0% |
| Chile | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.10 per kg, close to the world average of $0.12.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Iron ore pellets imports to the United Arab Emirates
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates imported iron ore pellets worth $559.2 million (3.27 million tonnes). Its share of world imports was 3%. Bahrain alone supplied 66% of it. Among the main suppliers, Brazil grew fastest (+139% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | $369.6M | 66% |
| Sweden | $89.3M | 16% |
| Brazil | $83.9M | 15% |
| Ukraine | $9.2M | 1.7% |
| India | $7.3M | 1.3% |
| Canada | $4K | 0% |
| Austria | $0K | 0% |
| France | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates iron ore pellets exports (HS 2601.12): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 2601.12: Iron ores and concentrates: agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites).
Common questions
What is the value of iron ore pellets exported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates exported iron ore pellets worth $40.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 407.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 89 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 50% on 2023.
Which countries buy iron ore pellets from the United Arab Emirates?
Malaysia was the largest buyer with 42% of the value ($17.0 million), followed by China (36%) and Indonesia (16%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 6 buyer countries in total. Indonesia grew fastest among the top ten, up 457% on the year.
What is the average export price of iron ore pellets per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.10 per kg in 2024, 17% below the world average of $0.12 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 pellets from the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Exports went from $7.3 million in 2017 to $40.1 million in 2024, an increase of 449%. The peak was 2019 at $179.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $67.4 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also import iron ore pellets?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates imported $559.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Bahrain, Sweden and Brazil. That compares with exports of $40.1 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for iron ore pellets?
The HS code for iron ore pellets is subheading 2601.12. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2601 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for the United Arab Emirates. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for the United Arab Emirates
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