How much iron ore does China produce?
China is the 4th largest producer of iron ore: 290 million tonnes in 2025, 11% of the world's 2.6 billion tonnes (USGS MCS).
All about iron ore · All about China · Iron ore price history
China's iron ore production
| World rank | Production (tonnes) | Share of world | Ten-year growth | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 290 million tonnes | 11% | — | 2025 |
USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries, MCS 2026.
China as a buyer of iron ore
China imported $112.6 billion of iron ore (HS 2601) in 2024, 71% of world imports, ranked #1. Of its $112.6 billion of iron ore imports in 2024, 65% came from Australia and 18% from Brazil, among 74 suppliers. Largest sources: Australia (64%), Brazil (18%), South Africa (3%), India (2.4%), Canada (1.5%).
The iron ore price China sells into
The benchmark price, 62% Fe fines, CFR China spot, was $97.7/dmtu in September 2026, down 5% over twelve months. Its five-year volatility is 27% a year, calmer in 70% of its earlier five-year windows. A single country's export price can differ from the benchmark: see trade price against benchmark. Monthly averages lag the market and are not investment advice. Iron ore price history.
Cite as: Commodity Origins, "China iron ore: production, exports and prices", https://commodityorigins.com/countries/CHN/iron-ore/ (CC BY 4.0). Rankings count only countries reporting to the sources named; this page is shown only for top-five producers or exporters with at least 3% of the world total. Report an issue with this page.