Global Iron Ore Market - 2024-2031

Overview

Global Iron Ore Market reached US$ 345.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 424.5 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 2.6% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The rise in building and extraction activities has resulted in increased global demand for iron and steel. The increase in extraction activities is thus the key element driving the growth of the global iron ore market during the anticipated period. The rise of steel companies globally is creating lucrative demand for the global iron ore industry.

For example, Arcelormittal Steel India anticipates a profit of US$ 250-300 million per year from synergies generated by the proposed acquisition of infrastructure assets from Essar Group. Furthermore, the Essar Group announced an agreement with a joint venture of global steelmakers to acquire port and power assets valued at US$ 2.4 billion net. All expansion operations connected to manufacturing and production units, as well as mining activities, are offering major profitable growth potential for the global iron ore market.

In 2023, Europe is expected to be hold over 1/4th of the global iron ore market. European nations like UK and Germany supply a substantial portion of the market. The region's growing demand for steel from the automotive industry is likely to boost demand for the steel market. Russia is predicted to hold the highest proportion of Europe's iron ore market during the forecast period.

Dynamics

Growing Investments in New Projects

Investments in new iron ore projects result in the creation of new mines, the expansion of existing mines and the adoption of sophisticated mining methods. The increases production capacity, allowing for larger volumes of iron ore to be mined and sent to the market. As a result, increased investment helps to meet rising demand for iron ore, particularly in the steel industry.

Mining companies are aggressively attempting to meet the rising global demand for iron ore, which is being fueled by the growth of China's steel sector and global infrastructure. As per Lei Pingxi, chief engineer of the China Association of Steel and Mining Enterprises, the industry will develop by around 2% each year, resulting in an increase in iron ore supply of roughly 45 million tons next year.

Rising Usage in Automotive

The automobile sector is increasingly reliant on iron ore to manufacture the steel required for car bodies, lorries and other vehicles. Economic expansion in nations such as China and India is driving up demand for iron ore, as is the need for more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly automobiles. As a result, the price of iron ore has increased in recent years. The trend is projected to continue in the future years, as the global economy grows and car demand increases.

China remains the world's largest automobile market in terms of yearly sales and manufacturing output, with local production projected to exceed 35 million vehicles by 2025. According to figures from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, more than 26.9 million automobiles were sold in 2022, up 3.46% from 2021. India concluded 2022 with annual sales of 3.8 million units, up more than 25% from 3.7 million in 2021. In 2022, India's passenger vehicle sector broke several records.

Environmental Concerns and Demand Fluctuations

Stringent environmental laws aimed at decreasing carbon emissions and preventing climate change may have an influence on the iron ore market. Steelmakers are under pressure to embrace cleaner manufacturing technologies and decrease their carbon footprint, which might impact demand for traditional iron ore feedstocks such as hematite and magnetite. Economic instability, such as variations in GDP growth, trade conflicts and currency volatility, might reduce demand for iron ore.

Uncertain economic situations may cause a reduction in investment in infrastructure and construction projects, both of which use iron ore extensively. Variations in steel demand, caused by variations in construction activity, infrastructure investment, automotive production and manufacturing output, can all have an impact on iron ore consumption. Economic downturns or adjustments in consumer tastes cause swings in steel demand, limiting iron ore market growth.

Segment Analysis

The global iron ore market is segmented based on type, form, application and region.

Rising Demand for Apparel drives the Segment Growth

Magnetite is expected to be the dominant segment with over 1/3rd of the market during the forecast period 2024-2031. Government-led building and construction activity, particularly in emerging nations, are boosting demand for steel and iron ore. Magnetite's high iron content and compatibility for construction-grade steel products make it an ideal choice for infrastructure projects that require long-lasting, high-strength components.

In 2023, Cyclone Metals, an Australian iron ore firm, announced the acquisition of the Block 103 Magnetite Iron Ore Project in the center of the Labrador Trough iron belt in Quebec, Canada, with the acquisition of Labrador Iron Pty Ltd. According to Cyclone Metals, Block 103 is the world's largest undeveloped magnetite iron ore property, covering 7,275 hectares and having a historical mineral resource estimate of 7,200Mt at 29.2% iron.

Geographical Penetration

Growing Demand From Residential Sector in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the dominant region in the global iron ore market covering more than 40% of the market. The market's growth is being driven by the burgeoning construction sector in emerging regional economies, with more residential and commercial buildings, particularly in India and China, as well as higher living standards and per capita disposable incomes. The Indian government has invested more money in infrastructure projects including the Green Corridor, Smart Cities Mission and port expansion, which is increasing demand for iron ore.

Most Chinese steelmakers kept blast furnace working rates high during the Lunar New Year holiday, intending to undertake maintenance on these furnaces after the holidays. In 2024, according to the China Iron and Steel Association, overall crude steel output at major Chinese steel businesses increased 1.5% to 21 million mt between February 11 and February 20, compared to the first ten days of the month.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Rio Tinto, Vale, BHP Billiton, Fortescue Metal Group, ArcelorMittal, Anglo American, BCI Minerals Ltd., Atlas Iron Ltd., Cliffs Natural Resources and Metalloinvest MC LLC.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The epidemic caused global disruptions in economic activity, industrial output and building, hurting demand for steel and, by extension, iron ore. Lockdowns, limitations and lower consumer spending reduced demand for steel goods, causing variations in iron ore demand and pricing. Metal prices increased 8.4% in June 2020, with a 3.7% increase in May, driven by a demand rebound in China and supply concerns in Latin America.

The World Bank Metals and Minerals Price Index was expected to average 13% lower in 2020 than in 2019, owing to projections of a slow global economic recovery. Unlike base metals, iron ore prices have stayed stable throughout the pandemic. Prices in June had risen than at the beginning of the year. Global supply fears have resurfaced, despite the restart of operations at Vale's iron ore Itabira complex in Brazil. Vale's iron ore production had failed to recover after a tailings dam catastrophe in early 2019.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

Both Russia and Ukraine are large producers of iron ore, with Ukraine being a major exporter, particularly to Europe. Any disruptions in iron ore production and exports from these nations caused by the conflict, such as infrastructure damage, supply chain disruptions or export restrictions, might tighten global supply and result in market supply shortages. Iron ore is a vital raw ingredient for steel manufacturing and disruptions in iron ore supplies could impact steel production in countries depending on imports from Russia and Ukraine.

Steel makers struggled to secure enough iron ore feedstock, resulting in production slowdowns or shutdowns, which might have an impact on downstream businesses and supply chains. Ukraine's iron ore exports in 2023 declined to 17.75 million tons, a 26% decrease from 22.37 million tons in 2022, as per Ukraine's State Customs Service. The 2023 total was also decreased by 60% from 28.4 million tons in 2021, the year before Russia's invasion.

By Type

• Hematite
• Magnetite
• Others

By Form

• Pellets
• Lumps
• Fines

By Application

• Steel Production
• Iron Production

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In February 2021, Vale S.A. has begun operating six self-driving haul trucks at its Carajas iron ore complex in Para, Brazil. The program is part of a bigger initiative to improve security for workers, make the business more environmentally friendly and increase competitiveness.
• In February 2021, A consortium formed by Midrex Technologies and Primetals Technologies has an agreement with Mikhailovsky GOK (a subsidiary of Metalloinvest) to supply equipment for the development of the HBI facility. The contract includes steel construction, plumbing, ducting, training and advisory services and the engineering and supply of mechanical and electrical equipment.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global iron ore market segmentation based on type, form, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of iron ore market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global iron ore market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 51 figures and 202 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies