EU iron ore imports down by 11% in 2023

EU iron ore imports declined for two consecutive years.

In 2023, European Union (EU) iron ore imports were recorded at 72.75 million tons, marking an 11% decrease compared to 2022 when EU steelmakers imported 81.72 million tons of iron ore, reflecting a yearly decline of 12.7%.

Among the countries importing iron ore to the EU in 2023, Canada topped the list with 21.48 million tons, despite a 2% yearly decrease. Brazil followed with 18.08 million tons, and Ukraine with 13.4 million tons. Australia reduced its shipments by 71.9% annually, importing 178.15 thousand tons of iron ore, while Russia experienced an 88.2% decrease, importing 332.27 thousand tons.

The countries with the highest consumption of imported iron ore in 2023 were the Netherlands with 22.57 million tons, the Czech Republic with 12.53 million tons, and France with 8.51 million tons