Report Update May 1, 2025

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

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United Arab Emirates: Iron Ore Market 2025

Iron Ore Market Size in the United Arab Emirates

In 2021, the iron ore market in the United Arab Emirates increased by 12% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a noticeable shrinkage. Iron ore consumption peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Iron Ore Exports

Exports from the United Arab Emirates

In 2021, the amount of iron ores and concentrates exported from the United Arab Emirates surged to X tons, with an increase of 141% compared with the previous year's figure. In general, exports posted prominent growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when exports increased by 150% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, iron ore exports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed a resilient increase. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

China (X tons), Indonesia (X tons) and Vietnam (X tons) were the main destinations of iron ore exports from the United Arab Emirates, with a combined 84% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Malaysia, which accounted for a further 9%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Malaysia (with a CAGR of +133.4%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Indonesia ($X), China ($X) and Vietnam ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for iron ore exported from the United Arab Emirates worldwide, with a combined 88% share of total exports.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Indonesia, with a CAGR of +214.0%, recorded the highest growth rate of 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

The average iron ore export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 37% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a slight expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, iron ore export price increased by +159.4% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 47%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Malaysia ($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 Vietnam (+64.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Iron Ore Imports

Imports into the United Arab Emirates

Iron ore imports into the United Arab Emirates contracted to X tons in 2021, falling by -5.9% on the previous year. Overall, imports showed a abrupt descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 96%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, iron ore imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports showed a slight reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 128% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Bahrain (X tons), Oman (X tons) and Sweden (X tons) were the main suppliers of iron ore imports to the United Arab Emirates, with a combined 90% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Bahrain (with a CAGR of +20.8%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest iron ore suppliers to the United Arab Emirates were Bahrain ($X), Oman ($X) and Sweden ($X), together comprising 92% of total imports.

Among the main suppliers, Bahrain, with a CAGR of +21.8%, 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

In 2021, the average iron ore import price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 68% against the previous year. In general, the import price saw a notable expansion. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Oman (+13.5%), 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?

Australia constituted the country with the largest volume of iron ore production, comprising approx. 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 United Arab Emirates?

In value terms, the largest iron ore suppliers to the United Arab Emirates were Oman, Bahrain and Sweden, with a combined 86% share of total imports.

What are the leading importers of iron ores and concentrates from the United Arab Emirates?

In value terms, Turkmenistan and Oman constituted the largest markets for iron ore exported from the United Arab Emirates worldwide.

What is the average export price for iron ores and concentrates in the United Arab Emirates?

The average iron ore export price stood at $447 per ton in 2020, increasing by 415% against the previous year.

What is the average import price for iron ores and concentrates in the United Arab Emirates?

The average iron ore import price stood at $146 per ton in 2020, increasing by 28% against the previous year.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the iron ore market in the United Arab Emirates. 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 Arab Emirates

Data coverage:

Market volume and value
Per Capita consumption
Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
Trade (exports and imports) in the United Arab Emirates
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