PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1669564
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1669564
Direct reduced iron (DRI), also referred to as sponge iron, is produced by directly reducing iron ore using a reducing gas such as natural gas, coal, or carbon dioxide. This process creates iron without the need for intermediate melting stages. DRI serves as an efficient raw material for small-mill electric furnaces, allowing the utilization of lower-grade scrap for the remainder of the charge or enabling higher steel production rates.
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 from The Business Research Company 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 size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $31.36 billion in 2024 to $34.18 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to raw material availability, steel industry dynamics, energy efficiency concerns, environmental regulations, and cost competitiveness
The direct reduced iron market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $48.85 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to global infrastructure development, renewable energy integration, evolving steelmaking technologies, urbanization and construction demand, trade dynamics and supply chains. Major trends in the forecast period include focus on carbon capture and storage (CCS), a shift towards EAF steel production, strategic investments in DRI capacity, and governmental regulations and policies.
The growing demand for steel products is anticipated to drive the growth of the direct reduced iron market in the future. Steel products encompass a broad array of items and materials produced using steel as the primary raw material. Direct reduced iron is utilized in steel production as a substitute for scrap metal and pig iron, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and decreased energy consumption. For example, in 2022, the World Steel Association, a Belgium-based international industry organization, reported that steel demand reached 1,840.2 metric tons, representing a 0.4% increase from the previous year, with expectations for a further 2.2% rise in 2023, reaching 1,881.4 metric tons. Consequently, the increasing demand for steel products is fueling the growth of the direct reduced iron market.
The increasing investments in infrastructure development are set to boost the growth of the direct reduced iron market. Infrastructure development encompasses the comprehensive planning, design, financing, construction, and maintenance of essential physical and organizational structures. Direct reduced iron plays a crucial role in steel production for infrastructure projects in the energy sector, leading to heightened demand for this resource. For example, in July 2024, the Office for National Statistics, a UK-based statistics authority, reported that total investment in infrastructure by the general government rose by 9.6% in 2022, amounting to £26.0 billion (approximately $32.8 billion). This included £19.3 billion (around $24.4 billion) from central government and £6.7 billion (about $8.5 billion) from local government. Furthermore, transport projects accounted for £22.5 billion (roughly $28.5 billion), representing 74.2% of the total investment, which is a 1.1 percentage point increase from the previous year. This trend indicates a positive outlook that will further 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 include 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, 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 2024. 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 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.
Direct Reduced Iron Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company 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.
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? The direct reduced iron market global report from the Business Research Company 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 forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.