Iron ore exports from Ukraine from January to November 2025 decreased by 4.9% compared to the same period last year, totaling 28.77 million tons. According to official data from the state customs, despite the overall decline, shipments of Ukrainian ore to the key market of China significantly increased.
This is reported by Business • Media
China Remains the Main Importer of Ukrainian Ore
In 2025, China maintained its status as the largest buyer of iron ore from Ukraine. Over eleven months, 15.29 million tons of raw material were shipped in this direction, which is 17.3% more than in the same period of 2024. Among other major markets, Slovakia received 4.08 million tons of ore, which is 8.3% less than last year, while Poland imported 3.91 million tons, indicating a decrease of 16.7%.
The revenue from iron ore exports during this period amounted to 2.18 billion USD, which is 14% less compared to the previous year.
“The largest consumer of Ukrainian iron ore is traditionally China. During the shipment period, the raw material exports in this direction amounted to 15.29 million tons (+17.3% year-on-year)”.
Ukrainian Ore Maintains Its Position in the Turkish Market
According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, from January to October 2025, Ukraine remained among the top five suppliers of iron ore to Turkey, despite a significant reduction in shipments. Over ten months, Turkish companies imported 487.9 thousand tons of Ukrainian raw material, while last year this figure exceeded 1.09 million tons. The total import of iron ore by Turkey during this period decreased by 5% and amounted to 8.37 million tons.