Report Update May 1, 2025

United Kingdom - Iron Ores and Concentrates - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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United Kingdom: Iron Ore Market 2025

Iron Ore Market Size in the UK

After three years of decline, the UK iron ore market increased by 73% to $X in 2021. Overall, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Iron ore consumption peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Iron Ore Exports

Exports from the UK

In 2021, the amount of iron ores and concentrates exported from the UK shrank remarkably to X tons, with a decrease of -28.4% against the previous year's figure. In general, exports saw a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 380%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, iron ore exports stood at $X in 2021. Overall, exports showed a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 117% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

The Czech Republic (X tons), Ireland (X tons) and Spain (X tons) were the main destinations of iron ore exports from the UK, together accounting for 17% of total exports. These countries were followed by China, France, Brazil, Portugal, the United States and the Netherlands, which together accounted for a further 11%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Portugal (with a CAGR of +145.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for iron ore exported from the UK were China ($X), France ($X) and the Czech Republic ($X), together comprising 26% of total exports. Portugal, Brazil, Ireland, Spain, the United States and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 15%.

Among the main countries of destination, Portugal, with a CAGR of +130.7%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average iron ore export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 43% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a pronounced descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the average export price increased by 66%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Portugal ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Spain ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Ireland (+17.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Iron Ore Imports

Imports into the UK

After six years of decline, supplies from abroad of iron ores and concentrates increased by 40% to X tons in 2021. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 40%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, iron ore imports soared to $X in 2021. In general, imports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Imports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Canada (X tons), Brazil (X tons) and South Africa (X tons) were the main suppliers of iron ore imports to the UK, together accounting for 53% of total imports. These countries were followed by Norway, Sweden, Russia and the United States, which together accounted for a further 32%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for the United States (with a CAGR of +164.5%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Canada ($X), Brazil ($X) and South Africa ($X) appeared to be the largest iron ore suppliers to the UK, together comprising 58% of total imports. These countries were followed by Sweden, Norway, Russia and the United States, which together accounted for a further 24%.

In terms of the main suppliers, the United States, with a CAGR of +163.0%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average iron ore import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 37% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a slight expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 39% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Canada ($X per ton), while the price for Norway ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Canada (+2.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

What are the largest markets for iron ores and concentrates in the world?

The countries with the highest volumes of iron ore consumption in 2020 were China, Australia and Russia, with a combined 74% share of global consumption.

What are the largest producers of iron ores and concentrates in the world?

The country with the largest volume of iron ore production was Australia, accounting for 48% of total volume. Moreover, iron ore production in Australia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Brazil, threefold. Russia ranked third in terms of total production with a 15% share.

What are the leading suppliers of iron ores and concentrates to the UK?

In value terms, Canada, Brazil and Sweden constituted the largest iron ore suppliers to the UK, with a combined 74% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Russia, South Africa and the United States, which together accounted for a further 24%.

What are the leading importers of iron ores and concentrates from the UK?

In value terms, Ireland remains the key foreign market for iron ore exports from the UK, comprising 66% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by France, with a 9.4% share of total exports. It was followed by China, with a 7.4% share.

What is the average export price for iron ores and concentrates in the UK?

The average iron ore export price stood at $165 per ton in 2020, shrinking by -34.8% against the previous year.

What is the average import price for iron ores and concentrates in the UK?

In 2020, the average iron ore import price amounted to $99 per ton, jumping by 18% against the previous year.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the iron ore market in the UK. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

Prodcom 07101000 - Iron ores and concentrates (excluding roasted iron pyrites)
Prodcom 07101010 -
Prodcom 07101020 -

Country coverage:

United Kingdom

Data coverage:

Market volume and value
Per Capita consumption
Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
Trade (exports and imports) in the UK
Export and import prices
Market trends, drivers and restraints
Key market players and their profiles

Reasons to buy this report:

Take advantage of the latest data
Find deeper insights into current market developments
Discover vital success factors affecting the market

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
How to load your idle production capacity
How to boost your sales on overseas markets
How to increase your profit margins
How to make your supply chain more sustainable
How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
How to outsource production to other countries
How to prepare your business for global expansion

While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

1. INTRODUCTION

Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business
1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND AI PLATFORM
3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A Quick Overview of Market Performance
1. KEY FINDINGS
2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
3. MARKET OVERVIEW

Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects
1. MARKET SIZE
2. MARKET STRUCTURE
3. TRADE BALANCE
4. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION
5. MARKET FORECAST TO 2030
4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCT

Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCT
4. MOST TRADED PRODUCT
5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT
5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
3. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
4. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES
6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS
7. PRODUCTION

The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry
1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE
8. IMPORTS
The Largest Import Supplying Countries
1. IMPORTS FROM 2012–2024
2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
9. EXPORTS
The Largest Destinations for Exports
1. EXPORTS FROM 2012–2024
2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
LIST OF TABLES
1. Key Findings In 2024
2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
3. Market Value, 2012–2024
4. Per Capita Consumption In 2012-2024
5. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
6. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
7. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
8. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
9. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
10. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024
LIST OF FIGURES
1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
2. Market Value, 2012–2024
3. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
4. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
5. Trade Balance, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
6. Trade Balance, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
7. Per Capita Consumption, 2012-2024
8. Market Volume Forecast to 2030
9. Market Value Forecast to 2030
10. Products: Market Size And Growth, By Type
11. Products: Average Per Capita Consumption, By Type
12. Products: Exports And Growth, By Type
13. Products: Export Prices And Growth, By Type
14. Production Volume And Growth
15. Exports And Growth
16. Export Prices And Growth
17. Market Size And Growth
18. Per Capita Consumption
19. Imports And Growth
20. Import Prices
21. Production, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
22. Production, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
23. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
24. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
25. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
26. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
27. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
28. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
29. Exports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
30. Exports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
31. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
32. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
33. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
34. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024