Iron Export Market Intelligence: India's 943 Suppliers Shipping to 174 Countries — TransData Nexus 2026

Q: Who are the top iron exporters from India?

The top iron exporters from India are: 1. ZYDUS LIFESCIENCES LIMITED — $133.5M (27.4% market share); 2. UNICHEM LABORATORIES LIMITED — $118.2M (24.2% market share); 3. AMNEAL PHARMACEUTICALS PRIVATE LIMITED — $38.4M (7.9% market share); 4. INTAS PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED — $16.5M (3.4% market share); 5. AUROBINDO PHARMA LTD — $13.6M (2.8% market share). Together they account for 65.6% of India's total iron export value.

Q: What is the total export value of iron from India?

The total export value of iron from India is $487.6M USD, recorded across 14,943 shipment transactions from 943 active exporters to 174 destination countries. The average shipment value is $32.6K.

Q: Which countries import iron from India?

India exports iron to 174 countries worldwide. The top importing countries are: UNITED STATES (74.8% share, $364.9M), NETHERLANDS (3.0% share, $14.7M), FRANCE (2.2% share, $10.8M), SOUTH KOREA (1.7% share, $8.3M), UZBEKISTAN (1.6% share, $8.0M). These five markets account for 83.4% of total export value.

Q: What is the HS code for iron exports from India?

The primary HS code for iron exports from India is 30049099. This 8-digit classification falls under Chapter 30 (pharmaceutical products) of the Harmonized System and is used by Indian Customs (DGFT) for tracking and reporting pharmaceutical trade flows.

Q: What is the average price of iron exports from India?

The average unit price for iron exports from India is $6.94 USD per unit, with prices ranging from $0.00 to $5929.79 depending on formulation, packaging, and order volume. The total market is valued at $487.6M across 14,943 shipments.

Q: Which ports handle iron exports from India?

The primary ports for iron exports from India are SAHAR AIR (12.1% of shipments), SAHAR AIR CARGO ACC (INBOM4) (11.9% of shipments), NHAVA SHEVA SEA (INNSA1) (8.4% of shipments), DELHI AIR CARGO ACC (INDEL4) (8.2% of shipments), DELHI AIR (6.9% of shipments). These ports have dedicated pharmaceutical cargo infrastructure ensuring cold-chain and regulatory compliance during transit.

Q: Why is India a leading exporter of iron?

India is one of the world's leading exporters of iron due to its large base of 943 WHO-GMP and US FDA approved manufacturers, significantly lower production costs compared to Western markets, well-established API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) supply chains, and strong government support for pharmaceutical exports through the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil). India exports iron to 174 countries, demonstrating 89% global market coverage.

Q: What certifications do Indian iron exporters need?

Indian iron exporters typically require WHO-GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification for most regulated markets, US FDA approval for exports to the United States, EU GMP certification for European markets, and country-specific regulatory approvals for markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Additional certifications may include ISO 9001, Schedule M compliance under Indian drug laws, and Free Sale Certificates issued by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

Q: How many buyers import iron from India?

There are 2,171 registered buyers importing iron from India, spread across 174 countries. The repeat buyer rate is 56.4%, indicating strong long-term trade relationships and consistent product quality.

Q: What is the market share of the top iron supplier from India?

ZYDUS LIFESCIENCES LIMITED is the leading iron exporter from India with a market share of 27.4% and total export value of $133.5M across 432 shipments. The top 5 suppliers together control 65.6% of total export value.

Suresh Sormare

Iron

India Pharmaceutical Trade Intelligence

$487.6M943 Suppliers174 CountriesHS 30049099

ExportsIndia → UNITED STATES74.8%India → NETHERLANDS3.0%

ImportsNETHERLANDS → India$19.4M DENMARK → India$1.4M

#1 Supplier: ZYDUS LIFESCIENCES #1 Buyer: EVERSANA LIFE

Iron Export Analysis | India Pharmaceutical Trade Intelligence | TransData Nexus

How India Exports Iron to the World

Between 2022 and 2026, India exported $487.6M worth of iron across 14,943 verified shipments to 174 countries — covering 89% of world markets in the Nutritional Supplements segment. The largest destination is UNITED STATES (74.8%). ZYDUS LIFESCIENCES LIMITED leads with a 27.4% share. All figures are drawn from Indian Customs (DGFT) shipping bill records spanning four years of trade activity.

Source: Indian Customs (DGFT)·Published March 2026·Updated March 2026·

Iron export data from India — top exporters, importing countries, pricing and trade statistics compiled by TransData Nexus — Iron export data snapshot — $487.6M · 943 exporters · 174 countriesTransData Nexus · Indian Customs Data

Top Iron Exporters from India

943 active exporters · Ranked by export value

View all 943 →

Top Iron Exporters from India — Ranked by Export Value
#	Supplier Name	Export Value (USD)	Shipments	Countries	Market Share
1	ZYDUS LIFESCIENCES LIMITED	$133.5M	432	4	27.4%
2	UNICHEM LABORATORIES LIMITED

Top Countries Importing Iron from India

174 destination markets · Ranked by import value

All 174 countries →

Top Countries Importing Iron from India — Ranked by Import Value
#	Country	Import Value (USD)	Market Share
1	UNITED STATES	$364.9M	74.8%
2	NETHERLANDS	$14.7M	3.0%
3	FRANCE	$10.8M	2.2%
4	SOUTH KOREA	$8.3M	1.7%
5	UZBEKISTAN	$8.0M	1.6%
6	RUSSIA	$5.7M	1.2%
7	UNITED KINGDOM	$4.3M	0.9%
8	ANGOLA	$4.0M	0.8%
9	PHILIPPINES	$3.9M	0.8%
10	VENEZUELA	$3.8M	0.8%

UNITED STATES is India's largest iron export destination, absorbing 74.8% of total exports worth $364.9M. The top 5 importing countries — UNITED STATES, NETHERLANDS, FRANCE, SOUTH KOREA, UZBEKISTAN — together account for 83.4% of India's total iron export value. The remaining 169 destination countries collectively receive the other 16.6%, indicating a well-diversified global distribution network spanning all major continents.

Who Supplies Iron to India?

29 origin countries · Total import value: $24.5M

India imports iron from 29 countries with a combined import value of $24.5M. The largest supplier is NETHERLANDS ($19.4M, 3 shipments), followed by UNITED STATES and DENMARK. All values are from Indian Customs (DGFT) import records.

Countries Supplying Iron to India — Ranked by Import Value
#	Origin Country	Import Value (USD)	Shipments	Share
1	NETHERLANDS	$19.4M	3	79.5%
2	UNITED STATES	$2.1M	394	8.7%
3	DENMARK	$1.4M	14	5.9%
4	GERMANY	$696.5K	657	2.8%
5	PUERTO RICO	$172.1K	2	0.7%
6	BRAZIL	$145.7K	15	0.6%
7	AUSTRALIA	$121.2K	8	0.5%
8	SWITZERLAND	$74.5K	15	0.3%
9	IRELAND	$58.4K	8	0.2%
10	BELGIUM	$46.0K	2	0.2%

Showing top 10 of 29 origin countries

NETHERLANDS is the largest supplier of iron to India, accounting for 79.5% of total import value. The top 5 origin countries — NETHERLANDS, UNITED STATES, DENMARK, GERMANY, PUERTO RICO — together supply 97.6% of India's iron imports. Click any country to see detailed supplier and buyer data for that import corridor.

Iron — Export Intelligence Video

Visual overview of India's iron import and export market — top suppliers, destinations, pricing, and trade routes

This video covers India's iron pharmaceutical import and export market — $487.6M in total trade, 943 verified manufacturers, and 174 destination countries. Data sourced from Indian Customs (DGFT) shipment records.

Regulatory Landscape — Iron

Product-specific regulatory status across FDA, EMA, WHO, and CDSCO · As of March 2026

1FDA & US Market Regulatory Status

Iron-containing pharmaceutical products are subject to stringent regulatory oversight by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Manufacturers seeking to market generic iron supplements in the United States must submit an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) to demonstrate bioequivalence to a reference listed drug (RLD). According to the FDA's Orange Book, numerous ANDAs for iron formulations have been approved, indicating a competitive market landscape.

The FDA employs Import Alerts to prevent the entry of products that appear to violate U.S. regulations. For instance, Import Alert 66-66, issued in October 2024, targets active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that are misbranded due to inadequate labeling. While this alert is not specific to iron products, it underscores the importance of compliance with FDA labeling requirements for all pharmaceutical imports.

Given that 74.8% of India's iron exports are destined for the United States, it is imperative for Indian exporters to adhere strictly to FDA regulations to maintain market access.

2EU & UK Regulatory Framework

In the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK), iron-containing medicinal products require marketing authorization from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), respectively. Applicants must provide comprehensive data on product quality, safety, and efficacy. Manufacturing sites, including those outside the EU, must comply with EU Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. The EMA mandates that all manufacturing sites involved in the production and testing of medicinal products be identified in the marketing authorization application, with detailed descriptions of their roles. (ema.europa.eu)

Compliance with these regulatory requirements is essential for Indian exporters targeting the EU and UK markets.

3WHO Essential Medicines & Global Standards

Iron supplements are included in the World Health Organization's (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines, highlighting their importance in addressing global health needs. The WHO Prequalification Programme sets international standards for the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicinal products, including iron formulations. Additionally, iron products must comply with pharmacopoeial standards such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), British Pharmacopoeia (BP), European Pharmacopoeia (EP), and Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), ensuring consistent quality across different markets.

4India Regulatory Classification

In India, iron-containing pharmaceuticals are classified under Schedule H of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, requiring a prescription for dispensing. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) regulates the pricing of essential medicines, including certain iron formulations, to ensure affordability. Exporters must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for the export of pharmaceutical products, ensuring compliance with national regulations.

5Patent & Exclusivity Status

The patent landscape for iron supplements is relatively mature, with many patents having expired, allowing for robust generic competition. This competitive environment is reflected in the significant number of ANDAs approved by the FDA for iron products.

6Recent Industry Developments

In April 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) expanded its scrutiny of pharmaceutical patent listings, challenging over 300 "junk" patents related to various drugs, including those for diabetes and weight loss. While not directly targeting iron products, this action underscores the regulatory focus on ensuring fair competition in the pharmaceutical market.

In August 2025, the FDA issued Import Alert 66-57, targeting foreign-manufactured unapproved prescription drugs distributed to individuals in the U.S. This alert emphasizes the FDA's commitment to preventing the entry of unapproved drugs into the U.S. market.

These developments highlight the dynamic regulatory environment affecting pharmaceutical exports, including iron products, and the need for exporters to stay informed and compliant with evolving regulations.

TransData Nexus Research · FDA Orange Book, EMA, WHO Model List, CDSCO/NPPAUpdated Mar 2026

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Global Price Benchmark — Iron

Retail & reference prices across 9 markets vs. India FOB export price of $6.94/unit

Global Price Benchmark for Iron across major pharmaceutical markets
Market	Price (USD/unit)	Currency	Reference
United States	N/A	USD	The FDA regulates dietary supplements, including iron tablets, but does not set retail prices.
United Kingdom	N/A	GBP	The NHS Drug Tariff lists reimbursement prices for iron supplements, but specific retail prices are not disclosed.
Germany	N/A	EUR	The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) oversees pharmaceutical regulations, but retail pricing data is not readily accessible.
Australia	N/A

Supply Chain Risk Assessment — Iron

API sourcing, concentration risk, storage requirements, and current alerts

HIGH RISK

1API Sourcing & Raw Material Dependency

India's pharmaceutical industry, including iron-based formulations, heavily relies on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials (KSMs) imported from China. Approximately 60–70% of these essential components are sourced from China, creating a significant dependency. This reliance exposes the supply chain to vulnerabilities, as any disruption in Chinese production or export policies can directly impact the availability and cost of APIs in India.

Recent events have highlighted these risks. In February 2025, the FDA issued warning letters to API manufacturers in China and India for significant deviations from current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Such regulatory actions can lead to production halts or restrictions, further straining the supply chain.

2Supplier Concentration & Single-Source Risk

Our proprietary trade data indicates a high supplier concentration in India's iron exports. The top five exporters account for 65.6% of the total export value, with ZYDUS LIFESCIENCES LIMITED alone contributing 27.4%. This concentration poses a single-source risk; any operational or compliance issues within these key companies could disrupt a significant portion of the supply chain.

To mitigate such risks, the Indian government has implemented the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing of APIs and reducing import dependence. As of November 2024, two greenfield plants were inaugurated under this scheme to produce critical molecules like Penicillin G and Clavulanic Acid, which had not been manufactured domestically for over two decades. These initiatives are steps toward diversifying the supplier base and enhancing supply chain resilience.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Iron Exports from India

Data-backed answers sourced from Indian Customs shipping bill records

Who are the top iron exporters from India?

The leading iron exporters from India are ZYDUS LIFESCIENCES LIMITED, UNICHEM LABORATORIES LIMITED, AMNEAL PHARMACEUTICALS PRIVATE LIMITED, and 12 others. ZYDUS LIFESCIENCES LIMITED leads with 27.4% market share ($133.5M). The top 5 suppliers together control 65.6% of total export value.

What is the total export value of iron from India?

The total export value of iron from India is $487.6M, recorded across 14,943 shipments from 943 active exporters to 174 countries. The average shipment value is $32.6K.

Which countries import iron from India?

India exports iron to 174 countries. The top importing countries are UNITED STATES (74.8%), NETHERLANDS (3.0%), FRANCE (2.2%), SOUTH KOREA (1.7%), UZBEKISTAN (1.6%), which together account for 83.4% of total export value.

What is the HS code for iron exports from India?

The primary HS code for iron exports from India is 30049099. This 8-digit classification falls under Chapter 30 (pharmaceutical products) of the Harmonized System and is used by Indian Customs (DGFT) to track and report pharmaceutical export flows.

Official References & Regulatory Resources

Research Methodology & Data Transparency

Suresh Sormare

Verified Author

Pharmaceutical Export-Import Analyst & Trade Intelligence Expert

Suresh Sormare is a pharmaceutical export-import analyst with deep expertise in Indian Customs (DGFT) data, HS code classification, and global pharmaceutical supply chains. His analysis covers 10M+ shipment records across 150+ countries and is used by manufacturers, procurement agencies, and trade consultants worldwide. Suresh specializes in identifying verified suppliers and buyers from customs records, mapping bilateral pharmaceutical trade corridors, analyzing tariff structures and regulatory frameworks across 170+ destination markets, and benchmarking competitive positioning for finished pharmaceutical formulations. His methodology combines granular customs transaction data with regulatory intelligence from FDA, EMA, WHO, CDSCO, and 40+ national drug authorities to deliver actionable trade insights for the pharmaceutical formulations sector.

linkedin.com/in/sureshsormare

Primary Data Source

All trade data is sourced from Indian Customs (DGFT) official shipping bill records — the authoritative government database for India's pharmaceutical trade. Each verified record contains exporter name, consignee (buyer) name, detailed product description, quantity, declared FOB value (USD), port of loading, destination country, and shipment date.

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Top Iron Exporters from India

Top Countries Importing Iron from India

Who Supplies Iron to India?

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Iron — Export Intelligence Video

Regulatory Landscape — Iron

1FDA & US Market Regulatory Status

2EU & UK Regulatory Framework

3WHO Essential Medicines & Global Standards

4India Regulatory Classification

5Patent & Exclusivity Status

6Recent Industry Developments

Global Price Benchmark — Iron

Supply Chain Risk Assessment — Iron

1API Sourcing & Raw Material Dependency

2Supplier Concentration & Single-Source Risk

Access Complete Iron Trade Intelligence

Frequently Asked Questions — Iron Exports from India

Who are the top iron exporters from India?

What is the total export value of iron from India?

Which countries import iron from India?

What is the HS code for iron exports from India?

Official References & Regulatory Resources

Research Methodology & Data Transparency

Suresh Sormare

Primary Data Source

India Cost Advantage

3Geopolitical & Shipping Disruptions

4Risk Mitigation Recommendations

What is the average price of iron exports from India?

Which ports handle iron exports from India?

Why is India a leading exporter of iron?

What certifications do Indian iron exporters need?

How many buyers import iron from India?

What is the market share of the top iron exporter from India?

Analysis Methodology