The direct reduced iron market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $28.98 billion in 2023 to $31.8 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The growth observed during the historic period can be attributed to several factors. These include the availability of raw materials necessary for the production of direct reduced iron (DRI), the dynamics within the steel industry, increased concerns about energy efficiency, adherence to environmental regulations, and the emphasis on cost competitiveness. These combined elements significantly contributed to the expansion and development of the direct reduced iron sector during that period.
The direct reduced iron market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $44.31 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to several key factors. These include the ongoing global development of infrastructure, the integration of renewable energy sources into various industries including steelmaking, advancements in steelmaking technologies, increasing demand stemming from urbanization and construction activities, and the evolving dynamics of trade and supply chains. Key trends expected in this period encompass a heightened focus on carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies within the steel industry, a gradual shift towards Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel production methods, strategic investments aimed at expanding Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) capacity, and the impact of governmental regulations and policies influencing the direction and growth trajectory of the industry.
The projected surge in demand for steel products is anticipated to drive the expansion of the direct reduced iron market. Steel products encompass a diverse array of items and materials manufactured using steel as the primary raw material. Direct reduced iron serves as a substitute for scrap metal and pig iron in steel production, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Notably, global crude steel production, as reported by the World Steel Association, witnessed a 3.7% increase, reaching 1,950.5 million tons in 2021, compared to 1,880.4 million tons in 2020. This upward trend in steel demand is a significant catalyst for the growth of the direct reduced iron market.
The escalating investments in infrastructure development are poised to propel the direct reduced iron market's expansion. Infrastructure development involves the comprehensive process of planning, designing, financing, constructing, and maintaining essential physical and organizational structures. Direct reduced iron is integral to steel production for infrastructure projects in the energy sector, contributing to the increased demand for this resource. In April 2023, the World Bank reported a noteworthy recovery in infrastructure investments in low- and middle-income countries, with private participation in infrastructure (PPI) investments surging to $91.7 billion across 263 projects. This 23% increase from 2021 signifies a positive trajectory that will drive the growth of the direct reduced iron market.
A prominent trend gaining traction in the direct reduced iron market is technological advancement. Leading companies in this market are actively developing innovative products with advanced technologies to solidify their market position. For instance, in October 2022, Metso Outotec, a Finland-based machinery manufacturing company, introduced a direct reduced iron (DRI) smelting furnace designed to further decarbonize the steel sector. Ongoing developments in direct reduced iron smelting technology aim to optimize processes for specific customer feed materials, aligning with Metso Outotec’s commitment to decarbonizing the iron and steel industry as part of its Planet Positive offering.
Prominent entities within the direct reduction iron market are strategically investing in initiatives such as direct reduction plants to address surging demand and broaden their customer base. These plants are specialized facilities where iron ore undergoes a reduction process, typically utilizing natural gas or hydrogen, to yield direct reduced iron (DRI) for steelmaking purposes. A noteworthy example is the inauguration, in August 2023, of the world's largest direct reduction plant for green iron by a Germany-based Raw Materials Manufacturing partnership comprising Namibian and German companies. Located at RWE's Emsland gas-fired power plant site, the facility received a €3 million contribution from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Environment. This plant focuses on exclusively reducing iron ore through the utilization of green hydrogen, with plans to explore the application of sponge iron in steel production starting in 2024. Lingen was chosen as the plant's location due to the concentrated presence of hydrogen projects in the broader Emsland H2 region, particularly at the RWE's Emsland gas-fired power plant site. In the upcoming stages, green hydrogen for HyIron will be generated at RWE's 14-megawatt pilot electrolysis plant, set to commence operations directly adjacent to the direct reduction plant by the end of 2023.
In October 2022, H2 Green Steel, a Sweden-based green steel producer, entered into a strategic partnership with Midrex. This collaboration facilitated Kobe Steel's investment in H2 Green Steel, covering plant supply and equity investment, as part of a joint effort to address the global challenge of carbon neutrality. Midrex Technologies, Inc., a US-based company specializing in direct reduction ironmaking technology, played a pivotal role in this partnership.
Major companies operating in the direct reduced iron market report are Welspun Group, ArcelorMittal, ArcelorMittal S.A., JFE Steel Corporation, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., Kobe Steel Ltd., Steel Dynamics Inc., Gallantt Group of Industries, Voestalpine AG, Ternium SA, Liberty Steel Group, Nucor Corporation, Mobarakeh Steel Company, Kobe Steel Ltd, Hadeed Steel Industries, SMS Group GmbH, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, Qatar Steel Company, Salzgitter AG, Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC, Tosyali Algeria,TATA Steel Long Product Limited, Tata Sponge, Tuwairqi Steel Mills Limited, JSW Ispat Special Products Limited, Midrex Technologies Inc., AM/NS India, Tenova SpA, Khouzestan Steel Company, Essar Steel.
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the direct reduced iron market in 2023. The regions covered in the direct reduced iron market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the direct reduced iron market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.
The primary production methods for direct reduced iron include coal-based, gas-based, or Midrex processes. The coal-based direct reduction rotary kiln process was developed to convert iron ore directly into metallic iron without the need for melting. This method offers advantages such as requiring less initial capital and eliminating the necessity for coking coal. Direct reduced iron is available in pellet or lump form and finds application in steel-making and various construction-related uses.
The direct reduced iron research report is one of a series of new reports that provides direct reduced iron market statistics, including the direct reduced iron industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with direct reduced iron market share, detailed direct reduced iron market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the direct reduced iron industry. This direct reduced iron market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.
The direct reduced iron market consists of sales of gas-based direct reduced iron and coal-based direct reduced iron. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.
The direct reduced iron market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $44.31 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to several key factors. These include the ongoing global development of infrastructure, the integration of renewable energy sources into various industries including steelmaking, advancements in steelmaking technologies, increasing demand stemming from urbanization and construction activities, and the evolving dynamics of trade and supply chains. Key trends expected in this period encompass a heightened focus on carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies within the steel industry, a gradual shift towards Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel production methods, strategic investments aimed at expanding Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) capacity, and the impact of governmental regulations and policies influencing the direction and growth trajectory of the industry.
The projected surge in demand for steel products is anticipated to drive the expansion of the direct reduced iron market. Steel products encompass a diverse array of items and materials manufactured using steel as the primary raw material. Direct reduced iron serves as a substitute for scrap metal and pig iron in steel production, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Notably, global crude steel production, as reported by the World Steel Association, witnessed a 3.7% increase, reaching 1,950.5 million tons in 2021, compared to 1,880.4 million tons in 2020. This upward trend in steel demand is a significant catalyst for the growth of the direct reduced iron market.
The escalating investments in infrastructure development are poised to propel the direct reduced iron market's expansion. Infrastructure development involves the comprehensive process of planning, designing, financing, constructing, and maintaining essential physical and organizational structures. Direct reduced iron is integral to steel production for infrastructure projects in the energy sector, contributing to the increased demand for this resource. In April 2023, the World Bank reported a noteworthy recovery in infrastructure investments in low- and middle-income countries, with private participation in infrastructure (PPI) investments surging to $91.7 billion across 263 projects. This 23% increase from 2021 signifies a positive trajectory that will drive the growth of the direct reduced iron market.
A prominent trend gaining traction in the direct reduced iron market is technological advancement. Leading companies in this market are actively developing innovative products with advanced technologies to solidify their market position. For instance, in October 2022, Metso Outotec, a Finland-based machinery manufacturing company, introduced a direct reduced iron (DRI) smelting furnace designed to further decarbonize the steel sector. Ongoing developments in direct reduced iron smelting technology aim to optimize processes for specific customer feed materials, aligning with Metso Outotec’s commitment to decarbonizing the iron and steel industry as part of its Planet Positive offering.
Prominent entities within the direct reduction iron market are strategically investing in initiatives such as direct reduction plants to address surging demand and broaden their customer base. These plants are specialized facilities where iron ore undergoes a reduction process, typically utilizing natural gas or hydrogen, to yield direct reduced iron (DRI) for steelmaking purposes. A noteworthy example is the inauguration, in August 2023, of the world's largest direct reduction plant for green iron by a Germany-based Raw Materials Manufacturing partnership comprising Namibian and German companies. Located at RWE's Emsland gas-fired power plant site, the facility received a €3 million contribution from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Environment. This plant focuses on exclusively reducing iron ore through the utilization of green hydrogen, with plans to explore the application of sponge iron in steel production starting in 2024. Lingen was chosen as the plant's location due to the concentrated presence of hydrogen projects in the broader Emsland H2 region, particularly at the RWE's Emsland gas-fired power plant site. In the upcoming stages, green hydrogen for HyIron will be generated at RWE's 14-megawatt pilot electrolysis plant, set to commence operations directly adjacent to the direct reduction plant by the end of 2023.
In October 2022, H2 Green Steel, a Sweden-based green steel producer, entered into a strategic partnership with Midrex. This collaboration facilitated Kobe Steel's investment in H2 Green Steel, covering plant supply and equity investment, as part of a joint effort to address the global challenge of carbon neutrality. Midrex Technologies, Inc., a US-based company specializing in direct reduction ironmaking technology, played a pivotal role in this partnership.
Major companies operating in the direct reduced iron market report are Welspun Group, ArcelorMittal, ArcelorMittal S.A., JFE Steel Corporation, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., Kobe Steel Ltd., Steel Dynamics Inc., Gallantt Group of Industries, Voestalpine AG, Ternium SA, Liberty Steel Group, Nucor Corporation, Mobarakeh Steel Company, Kobe Steel Ltd, Hadeed Steel Industries, SMS Group GmbH, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, Qatar Steel Company, Salzgitter AG, Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC, Tosyali Algeria,TATA Steel Long Product Limited, Tata Sponge, Tuwairqi Steel Mills Limited, JSW Ispat Special Products Limited, Midrex Technologies Inc., AM/NS India, Tenova SpA, Khouzestan Steel Company, Essar Steel.
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the direct reduced iron market in 2023. The regions covered in the direct reduced iron market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the direct reduced iron market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.
The primary production methods for direct reduced iron include coal-based, gas-based, or Midrex processes. The coal-based direct reduction rotary kiln process was developed to convert iron ore directly into metallic iron without the need for melting. This method offers advantages such as requiring less initial capital and eliminating the necessity for coking coal. Direct reduced iron is available in pellet or lump form and finds application in steel-making and various construction-related uses.
The direct reduced iron research report is one of a series of new reports that provides direct reduced iron market statistics, including the direct reduced iron industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with direct reduced iron market share, detailed direct reduced iron market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the direct reduced iron industry. This direct reduced iron market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.
The direct reduced iron market consists of sales of gas-based direct reduced iron and coal-based direct reduced iron. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary2. Direct Reduced Iron Market Characteristics3. Direct Reduced Iron Market Trends and Strategies32. Global Direct Reduced Iron Market Competitive Benchmarking33. Global Direct Reduced Iron Market Competitive Dashboard34. Key Mergers and Acquisitions in the Direct Reduced Iron Market
4. Direct Reduced Iron Market - Macro Economic Scenario
5. Global Direct Reduced Iron Market Size and Growth
6. Direct Reduced Iron Market Segmentation
7. Direct Reduced Iron Market Regional and Country Analysis
8. Asia-Pacific Direct Reduced Iron Market
9. China Direct Reduced Iron Market
10. India Direct Reduced Iron Market
11. Japan Direct Reduced Iron Market
12. Australia Direct Reduced Iron Market
13. Indonesia Direct Reduced Iron Market
14. South Korea Direct Reduced Iron Market
15. Western Europe Direct Reduced Iron Market
16. UK Direct Reduced Iron Market
17. Germany Direct Reduced Iron Market
18. France Direct Reduced Iron Market
19. Italy Direct Reduced Iron Market
20. Spain Direct Reduced Iron Market
21. Eastern Europe Direct Reduced Iron Market
22. Russia Direct Reduced Iron Market
23. North America Direct Reduced Iron Market
24. USA Direct Reduced Iron Market
25. Canada Direct Reduced Iron Market
26. South America Direct Reduced Iron Market
27. Brazil Direct Reduced Iron Market
28. Middle East Direct Reduced Iron Market
29. Africa Direct Reduced Iron Market
30. Direct Reduced Iron Market Competitive Landscape and Company Profiles
31. Direct Reduced Iron Market Other Major and Innovative Companies
35. Direct Reduced Iron Market Future Outlook and Potential Analysis
36. Appendix
Executive Summary
Direct Reduced Iron Global Market Report 2024 provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.This report focuses on direct reduced iron market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Reasons to Purchase
- Gain a truly global perspective with the most comprehensive report available on this market covering 50+ geographies.
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- Assess the Russia-Ukraine war’s impact on agriculture, energy and mineral commodity supply and its direct and indirect impact on the market.
- Measure the impact of high global inflation on market growth.
- Create regional and country strategies on the basis of local data and analysis.
- Identify growth segments for investment.
- Outperform competitors using forecast data and the drivers and trends shaping the market.
- Understand customers based on the latest market shares.
- Benchmark performance against key competitors.
- Suitable for supporting your internal and external presentations with reliable high quality data and analysis.
- Report will be updated with the latest data and delivered to you along with an Excel data sheet for easy data extraction and analysis.
- All data from the report will also be delivered in an excel dashboard format.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for direct reduced iron? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? This report answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.
- The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
- The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
- The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:
- The impact of sanctions, supply chain disruptions, and altered demand for goods and services due to the Russian Ukraine war, impacting various macro-economic factors and parameters in the Eastern European region and its subsequent effect on global markets.
- The impact of higher inflation in many countries and the resulting spike in interest rates.
- The continued but declining impact of COVID-19 on supply chains and consumption patterns.
- Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
- The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the growth trajectory of COVID-19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets.
- The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
- The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.
Report Scope
Markets Covered:1) By Production Process: Coal-based; Gas-based Or Midrex
2) By Form: Pellets; Lumps
3) By Application: Steel Making; Construction
Key Companies Mentioned: Welspun Group; ArcelorMittal; ArcelorMittal S.A.; JFE Steel Corporation; Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast
Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita
Data Segmentation: Country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments
Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes
Delivery Format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard
Companies Mentioned
- Welspun Group
- ArcelorMittal
- ArcelorMittal S.A.
- JFE Steel Corporation
- Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
- Kobe Steel Ltd.
- Steel Dynamics Inc.
- Gallantt Group of Industries
- Voestalpine AG
- Ternium SA
- Liberty Steel Group
- Nucor Corporation
- Mobarakeh Steel Company
- Kobe Steel Ltd
- Hadeed Steel Industries
- SMS Group GmbH
- Jindal Steel and Power Ltd
- Qatar Steel Company
- Salzgitter AG
- Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC
- Tosyali Algeria
- TATA Steel Long Product Limited
- Tata Sponge
- Tuwairqi Steel Mills Limited
- JSW Ispat Special Products Limited
- Midrex Technologies Inc.
- AM/NS India
- Tenova SpA
- Khouzestan Steel Company
- Essar Steel.
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 175 |
| Published | February 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2024 - 2028 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 31.8 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 44.31 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 8.7% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
| No. of Companies Mentioned | 30 |
