Photo courtesy of Midrex Technologies Inc.
Global direct-reduced iron (DRI) production reached 140.8 million metric tons (mmt) in 2024, according to Charlotte, North Carolina-based Midrex Technologies Inc., a provider of DRI production plants.
The worldwide total represents a 5 million ton increase, or 3.8 percent, from the previous record of 135.7 mmt set in 2023. Since 2019, global DRI output has grown by 32.7 mmt per year, or more than 30 percent, acording to the firm.
Midrex says its plants produced more than half the 2024 DRI total, with 76.2 mmt of output last year.
The DRI statistics are compiled and published by Midrex each year in cooperation with Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey-based World Steel Dynamics.
The 16-page report covering 2024 shows India was far and away the global leader in DRI output last year, producing 54.7 mmt, followed by Iran at 34.7 mmt. Next were Russia (8 million tons), Saudi Arabia (6.6 million) and Egypt (6.4 million).
The 3.8 percent increase in DRI output last year outpaced a 1 percent growth in overall global steelmaking, as tracked by the Brussels-based World Steel Association.
Four new Midrex plants were commissioned last year, with three located in Iran and one in Algeria. The company also is working with steelmaker Blastr Green Steel for an installation in Finland and in cooperation with London-based Primetals on an installation for Dillinger and Rogesa in Germany.
DRI also is traded globally, and in 2024, Midrex reports the top five DRI importers were the United States (1.5 million metric tons), Turkey (1.2 million), India (900,000), Mexico (800,000) and Italy (700,000).
“The trade of DRI products in 2025 is not expected to change drastically compared to 2024, following the same major trade routes," Midrex says of this year's landscape. "Trade regulations, tariffs and sanctions are again likely to impact global trade.”
The full report summarizing 2024 DRI activity can be downloaded from the Midrex website.