Iron Ore Pellets Market - By Grade (Blast Furnace, Direct Reduction), By Balling Technology (Balling Disc, Balling Drum), By Application (Steel Production, Iron Based Chemicals), By Steelmaking Technology, By Product Source, By Pelletizing Process & Forecast, 2023 – 2032

Industry Overview

Iron Ore Pellets Market size was recorded at over USD 60 billion in 2022. Driven by booming automotive industry, the business sphere is expected to grow at more than 3.5% CAGR from 2023 to 2032.
 

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Proliferating demand for steel in the construction sector is set to foster market growth. These small balls of iron ore are made of powder extracted from materials considered waste. The booming infrastructural development across the globe has bolstered the demand for steel in various industries. Moreover, a supportive regulatory backdrop on achieving smart city plans is anticipated to boost product penetration over the next 10 years.
 

Notably, unfavorable government policies associated with sintering activities, especially in China are providing huge opportunities for the iron ore pellets market. As sintering is an alternative process of formulizing iron ore for steelmaking, stringent regulations on sintering processes due to safety and health concerns regarding the production space are propelling industry growth.
 

Low synergy among suppliers and steelmakers may restrain industry progression

Lack of integration and unity among steelmakers and pellet suppliers are hampering the market growth. Steelmakers and pellet suppliers work hand-in-hand for the industry to flourish. Many steel manufacturers and suppliers clash due to varying prices of iron ore and hamper the deployment of iron ore pellets in the market, restricting the overall market growth. However, the growing demand for steel in the booming industrial sector including the automotive industry is forecasted to aid the industry in overcoming this issue.
 

Flexible design and cost-effectiveness to push blast furnace market statistics

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In terms of grade, the iron ore pellets market is categorized into blast furnace and direct reduction. The blast furnace (BF) segment was valued at USD 48 billion in 2022 and is likely to grow at a significant growth rate over the projection period due to its cost-effectiveness compared to the traditional direct reduction grades (DR). They are extensively used for the steelmaking process as they have a flexible design and adapt to large-scale production quickly.
 

Ability to mass produce iron ore to help balling drum demand gain traction

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With respect to balling technology, the iron ore pellets market is divided into balling disc and balling drum. The balling drum segment is anticipated to reach over USD 27 billion in revenue by end of 2032 on account of its ability to control the ore balls when the balling device is connected in a closed circuit with a screen for removing and recycling the undersized materials. Furthermore, the benefit of producing large quantities of iron ore pellets with this technology is fostering the segment share.
 

Beneficial properties of magnetite to accelerate its product penetration in large firms

Based on product source, the industry is segmented into magnetite, hematite, and others. The iron ore pellets market from magnetite product source segment is projected to progress at more than 3.5% CAGR over 2023-2032. Magnetite is one of the primary iron ores minerals and is the most magnetic of all naturally found minerals on Earth, with the exception of exceedingly rare native iron deposits. A major driver boosting magnetite market share is its properties including iron oxides and ferrimagnetic.
 

Magnetite ore usually contains around 72.4% of iron content along with low magnetite content. The magnetic properties of such ores play a major role in conveniently improving the steel production process. The final products produced from such ores are of higher quality compared to the hematite ores. Moreover, the magnetite ore also contains fewer impurities, thereby elevating the cost of processing of such ores. The higher iron content in magnetite is contributing to its increasing adoption in steel conversion and blast furnace.
 

Efficient use in water treatment to boost the use of iron-based chemicals

In terms of application, the iron ore pellets market is segregated into steel production and iron-based chemicals. The iron-based chemicals segment is slated to grow at over 3% CAGR from 2023 to 2032. These ore pellets are widely applicable in the steel used for cars, planes, bridges, household appliances, bicycles, and others. Also, their effectiveness in water treatment, along with stringent regulatory norms for wastewater treatment initiatives are fostering market expansion.
 

Improved quality of end-result steel to help grate kiln segment grow

With regards to pelletizing source, the market is divided into traveling grate, grate kiln, and others. The iron ore pellets market from the grate kiln segment accounted for USD 13 billion in 2022. The segment expansion is driven by its provision that offers lower bed depth as compared to a straight grate. The process results in an improved & uniform temperature profile and reduced pressure drop lowering the power consumption, hence, augmenting the product penetration.
 

Increasing demand for automobiles to aid Asia Pacific market size expansion

APAC iron ore pellets market is set to depict over 4% CAGR between 2023 and 2032. The escalating automobile demand and production in the region is fueling regional progression. According to the OICA in 2018, Asia Pacific accounted for over 50% of automotive production the world over.
 

Expansion of production facilities to strengthen the iron ore pellets industry outlook

Evraz, Anglo American, BHP Billiton, Bahrain Steel, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., FERREXPO, and Jindal SAW Ltd. are some of the key players of iron ore pellets market. These companies majorly focus on expanding their production facilities, technological advancements, and adopting strategic growth partnerships to remain ahead in the competitive landscape.
 

Impact of COVID-19 on the iron ore pellets market trends

Mining industry witnessed a negative impact that hindered the extraction process of iron ore powder. The supply of iron ore pellets drastically declined with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and pushed manufacturers and steelmakers to lower the deployment of iron ore pellets for steelmaking. As a result, the prices of iron ore surged and caused disruptions in business operations. However, in the post-pandemic scenario, various companies have followed up new market trends and have adopted strategic growth initiatives to cover up the loss incurred previously.
 

The iron ore pellets market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of volume in million tons and revenue in USD Mn from 2017 to 2032 for the following segments:

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By Grade

• Blast Furnace (BF)           
• Direct Reduction (DR)

By Balling Technology

• Balling disc
• Balling drum

By Application

• Steel production
• Iron-based chemicals

By Steelmaking Technology

• Electric arc furnace
• Electric induction furnace
• Oxygen based/blast furnace

By Product Source

• Hematite
• Magnetite
• Others

By Pelletizing Process

• Travelling grate
• Grate kiln
• Others

The above information is provided on a regional and country basis for the following:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • UK
  • France
  • Ukraine
  • Poland
  • Austria
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Malaysia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Iran
  • Turkey
  • UAE
  • Kuwait