Product intelligence · HS 720310 · 2024 data

Ferrous products: obtained by direct reduction of iron ore, in lumps, pellets or similar forms

Global exports of ferrous products: obtained by direct reduction of iron ore, in lumps, pellets or similar forms totalled $4,131,132,304 in 2024, a +2.4% change from the previous year. Traded by 83 countries across 587 bilateral corridors, with demand from 114 importing markets. The long-term trend is declining.

Data: OECD BIMTS · Coverage: 19952024 · Updated: 2026-07-17

Global trade

$4.1B

+2.4% YoY

3Y / 5Y CAGR

-7.3%

5Y: +1.2%

Supply structure

Diversified

HHI 0.123

Volatility

Low

Score 16/100

1.

Market movement

In 2024, ferrous products: obtained by direct reduction of iron ore, in lumps, pellets or similar forms trade exhibited modest growth, with global flows reaching $4,131,132,304 and a three-year compound annual growth rate of -7.3% (five-year: +1.2%). The all-time peak of $5,610,250,101 was recorded in 2022; the current level is 26% below that high-water mark.

Over the 30-year observation window (19952024), 66% of years recorded positive growth, indicating a predominantly expanding market. Trend momentum is decelerating (-9.7% acceleration).

The World Trade Flows Characterization classifies ferrous products: obtained by direct reduction of iron ore, in lumps, pellets or similar forms as "One-way trade" in the low price range price segment, providing additional context for market positioning and competitive dynamics.

2.

Supply & demand structure

The supply side is diversified (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index 0.123). The three largest exporters — Russia ($1.2B), Oman ($861.8M), and Trinidad and Tobago ($849.6M) — collectively dominate supply flows. The leading exporter has grown at -18.5% over the last three years.

On the demand side, importer concentration is diversified (HHI 0.091). The three largest import markets are Saudi Arabia ($886.9M), United States ($594.2M), and Nepal ($265.7M). The largest importing market sources from 21 different supplying countries.

The dominant trade corridor is Oman → Saudi Arabia at $689.0M, representing 77.7% of the importer's total demand.

3.

Risk profile & trade outlook

The volatility score for ferrous products: obtained by direct reduction of iron ore, in lumps, pellets or similar forms is 16 out of 100, classified as low. Trade flows are relatively stable compared to other HS6 products, suggesting mature supply chains and predictable demand.

For market entrants, modest but steady demand provides a reasonable entry window. The diversified supply landscape means many competitors but also multiple entry points and buyer relationships to target.

Data confidence is rated "High" based on reporting coverage and consistency across OECD member and partner countries.

Historical evidence

Annual trade value 19952024

Peak: $5,610,250,101 in 2022. Currently 26% below peak.

YearGlobal trade (USD)YoY growth
2015$1,790,827,405-45.5%
2016$1,529,872,039-14.6%
2017$2,656,179,815+73.6%
2018$3,660,692,810+37.8%
2019$3,897,332,159+6.5%
2020$3,578,459,548-8.2%
2021$5,191,393,913+45.1%
2022$5,610,250,101+8.1%
2023$4,033,456,548-28.1%
2024$4,131,132,304+2.4%

Top exporting countries

Ranked by export value of ferrous products: obtained by direct reduction of iron ore, in lumps, pellets or similar forms in 2024.

View all 83 exporters →

Top importing markets

Largest import destinations for ferrous products: obtained by direct reduction of iron ore, in lumps, pellets or similar forms.

View all 114 markets →

Leading trade corridors

Largest bilateral export flows for ferrous products: obtained by direct reduction of iron ore, in lumps, pellets or similar forms, ranked by value. Click any country to view its full profile.

#ExporterImporterValue 20243Y CAGR
1OmanSaudi Arabia$689.0M+7.5%
2Trinidad and TobagoUnited States$592.7M-9.2%
3IndiaNepal$265.6M+36.0%
4PakistanOman$185.1M-4.8%
5RussiaItaly$168.0M-22.5%
6RussiaTürkiye$157.2M+36.7%
7RussiaIndia$136.6M+1611.2%
8IndiaBangladesh$121.8M-6.4%

Showing top 8 of 10 corridors with available data for 2024.

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Sources, definitions & methodology

Data source

OECD Bilateral International Merchandise Trade Statistics (BIMTS). Aggregated from 312M+ reported trade records across 200+ countries and 5,300+ HS6 product codes. Coverage: 19952024.

Key indicators

HHI (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index): market concentration, 0 = fully diversified, 1 = single player. CAGR: compound annual growth rate over a stated period. Volatility score: trade value variability, 0–100 scale.

How this page is made

All statistical content on this page is data-driven, composed programmatically from live OECD trade records. No generic AI-generated prose is used. Analytical paragraphs combine real data points with factual interpretation. This page was last refreshed on 2026-07-17.