India’s exports of iron ore and pellets recorded a sharp month-on-month rise in November 2025, climbing 27.2% from October to 2.76 million tonnes, according to data reported by SteelOrbis.
Iron ore accounted for the bulk of shipments at 2.51 million tonnes, up 28.1% month-on-month, while pellet exports increased by 19.1% to around 250,000 tonnes. On a year-on-year basis, total exports rose 51.6%, with cumulative shipments during the first 11 months of 2025 reaching 37.75 million tonnes—about 5% higher than the corresponding period last year. November volumes were the highest since March.
The surge was supported by multiple factors, including a shift in maritime contracts from Fe 62% to Fe 61% iron ore, which improved the competitiveness of Indian material in international markets. Firm prices, steady overseas demand and increased dispatches by major miners—often at premiums for specific mines—also boosted export activity. Shipments of lump ore gained momentum during the month, particularly from west coast ports.
China continued to dominate as the largest destination, importing 1.79 million tonnes, followed by Malaysia with about 110,000 tonnes. Among exporters, Rungta Mines emerged as a key contributor, shipping 930,000 tonnes in November, up 221% month-on-month, while Vedanta Group exported around 700,000 tonnes, a rise of 27.3%, including lump ore from east coast ports.
Price movements provided additional support to exports. Iron ore fines (Fe 57%) increased by about $3 per tonne month-on-month in October to $69.9 per tonne FOB Paradip, while discounts for lower-grade ore narrowed to around 14–15%. The near-term outlook for December remains cautiously stable, underpinned by expectations of further stimulus measures in China and pre-season restocking, although longer-term risks persist due to global oversupply concerns.
Meanwhile, India’s iron ore imports are set to reach a multi-year high in 2025. Preliminary data indicates total imports of 10.6 million tonnes during the first 11 months of the year, including 1.55 million tonnes of pellets, highlighting strong domestic demand alongside rising export volumes.
