In 2010, global iron ore pellet output totaled 388.1 million mt, up 32 percent year on year, hitting an all-time peak level, according to a report issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
In 2010, China was the world's largest iron ore pellet producing country with an output of 110.3 million mt. The UNCTAD report points to strong demand in the global iron ore pellet market. More than 5 million mt of new iron ore pellet production capacities are under construction in China. In terms of exports, in 2010 Brazil was the world's largest exporter of pellets with an export volume of 53.6 million mt, while Canada ranked second with 21.2 million mt.