Agglomerated Iron Ores and Concentrates

Agglomerated iron ores — primarily pellets produced by balling and firing fine iron ore concentrates — are a higher-value, more consistent feedstock than raw ore, preferred by direct-reduction and blast-furnace operators for their uniform size, strength, and iron content. The US schedule divides this heading into agglomerated pellets (2601120030) and other agglomerated forms (2601120090), with pellets representing the dominant commercial form in international trade. Brazil and Canada are the leading suppliers, with Oman also a notable source, reflecting the global distribution of pelletizing capacity built near major iron ore deposits.