Iron ore is one of the most strategic and essential raw materials in industrial production, with its primary use being in steel production. The global demand for iron ore, combined with the uneven geographical distribution of deposits, makes maritime transport a critical link in the supply chain of the global industry.
The transport of iron ore on a global scale is carried out mainly through bulk carriers, which are designed to carry large quantities of dry bulk cargo. These specific ships bridge the gap between mining countries and industrial consumption centers.
But which are the countries that lead in seaborne iron ore exports?
According to data from AXSMarine for the period January-September 2025, the top countries in iron ore exports are the following (the share of global exports is indicated in parentheses):
Source: AXSMarine
