Brazil was the largest exporter with 39% of the world total, and the United States was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Pig iron low in phosphorus, sulphur and trace elements, made from selected ore. Foundries use it to cast ductile iron for wind turbines, automotive and heavy machinery parts.
Typical segments
- Nodular iron grade
- Low manganese grade
- Foundry pig iron
- Steelmaking pig iron
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 4% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of non-alloy pig iron in pigs, blocks or other primary forms, containing, by weight, <= 0,5% (HS 720110), the trade category that includes high purity pig iron, were worth $4.38 billion in 2024. | 4.38 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 4% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($4.20 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | +4 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| Brazil was the largest exporter in 2024, with 39% of world exports ($1.72 billion). | 39 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, Brazil, Russia and Ukraine, shipped 72% of world exports in 2024. | 72 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest importer in 2024, buying $2.00 billion, or 46% of world imports. | 46 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 40 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 40 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $0.43 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 0.43 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 10.15 million tonnes of this product in 2024. | 10.15 million tonnes | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Iron foundries
- Wind turbine casting makers
- Automotive casting makers
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
Company and country rankings
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global high purity pig iron market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 720110 reached $4.38 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most high purity pig iron?
Brazil led world exports in 2024 with 39% of the total, followed by Russia, Ukraine and South Africa.
Which countries import the most high purity pig iron?
The United States was the largest importer in 2024, followed by Turkey, Italy and the Netherlands.
Is world trade in high purity pig iron growing?
World exports were 4% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of high purity pig iron?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $0.43 per kilogram in 2024.
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