Archive · 3 Dec 2025
India's Iron Ore Imports Surge to Six-Year High
India has been buying a lot more iron ore from other countries this year.
In the first 10 months of 2025, they imported over 10 million metric tons, which is more than double what they bought last year.
The main reason is that Indian steel factories need more high-quality iron ore, and there isn't enough available locally.
Heavy rains in the state of Odisha, which produces most of India's iron ore, also made things worse.
The government says there's no shortage, but experts think imports will stay high next year too.
Big companies like JSW Steel are buying a lot from countries like Brazil, Oman, and Australia because it's cheaper and easier for them.
The government is even encouraging steel mills to buy mines overseas to help with the situation.
India's iron ore imports more than doubled to over 10 million metric tons in the first 10 months of 2025.
JSW Steel was the top buyer of overseas iron ore, taking advantage of lower global prices and port proximity.
Domestic production delays and lower output due to heavy rainfall in Odisha contributed to the increased imports.
Experts project imports could exceed 11-12 million metric tons in the fiscal year 2026 if domestic production doesn't improve.
The government has urged steel mills to acquire overseas iron ore mines to address supply concerns.
- Who
- India's steel mills, particularly JSW Steel, and overseas suppliers from Brazil, Oman, and Australia
- What
- A significant increase in iron ore imports, reaching a six-year high
- When
- From January to October 2025, with projections for continued high imports in FY26
- Where
- India, with major imports coming from Brazil, Oman, and Australia, and significant domestic production in Odisha
- Why
- To overcome shortages of high-grade ore, take advantage of lower global prices, and compensate for delays in domestic mine production
- Import Volume
- Over 10 million metric tons (Jan-Oct 2025)
- Average Annual Imports (2019-2024)
- 4.3 million metric tons
- Top Importer
- JSW Steel
- Main Supply Countries
- Brazil, Oman, Australia
- Odisha's Share of Output
- 55% of India's total
- Fiscal Year 2025 Output
- 289 million metric tons
- Projected Imports for FY26
- 11-12 million metric tons
- Government Data Source
- Ministry of Steel