Iron content — typically expressed as percentage Fe — is the primary pricing driver for iron ore concentrates. Higher-grade material (generally above 65% Fe) commands a premium because it reduces coke consumption and slag volume in the blast furnace. Importers and steel mills negotiate grade, moisture, and penalty elements (silica, alumina, phosphorus, sulfur) in the purchase contract, and independent inspection at load port and discharge port is standard practice to settle any grade disputes.

Non-agglomerated iron ore includes natural lump ore and beneficiated fines or concentrates that have not been thermally or mechanically bound together. Once fines are sintered, pelletized, or briquetted into a formed product, they shift to the agglomerated iron ore heading. The physical form at the time of importation — not the intended downstream use — determines the correct classification, so importers should confirm the production method with the supplier.