Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), commonly known as sponge iron, is one of the most critical raw materials used in modern steelmaking. It is produced by reducing iron ore in solid state using natural gas or coal, without melting, resulting in a highly metallized iron product with low residual impurities. With increasing demand for cleaner steel production and reduced dependence on scrap, DRI has become a preferred metallic feedstock for Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF), induction furnaces and mini steel mills across India, GCC countries, Turkey, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Africa.
Trade Africa — the metals division of Asia & Africa General Trading LLC, Dubai — supplies high-quality DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) in bulk CIF shipments routed through Indian and GCC ports, depending on buyer requirements and destination compliance. With more than 20 years of experience in steel and metal exports, we support mills and trading companies with reliable supply, consistent quality, SGS inspection and professionally handled export documentation.
Our focus is to provide steel producers with a dependable source of DRI that improves furnace efficiency, enhances steel quality and ensures smooth international trade operations.
What Is Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)?
DRI is produced by removing oxygen from iron ore using a reducing agent such as natural gas or coal at temperatures below the melting point of iron. This process results in a porous, sponge-like structure, which is why it is often called sponge iron. DRI contains a high percentage of metallic iron and very low levels of residual elements, making it ideal for steelmaking.
Unlike scrap, which varies widely in composition and quality, DRI offers predictable chemistry and consistent metallurgical performance. This makes it especially valuable for steelmakers aiming to produce high-grade steels or maintain tight control over chemical composition.
Product Specifications – Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Iron Ore Grade (Fe) | 65.5 – 68 % |
| Metallisation | 92.0 – 96.0 % |
| Fe (Total) | 86.1 – 93.5 % |
| Fe (Metallic) | 81.0 – 87.9 % |
| Carbon (C) | 1.0 – 4.5 % |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.001 – 0.03 % |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | 0.005 – 0.09 % |
| Gangue | 3.9 – 8.4 % |
| Size (Typical) | 4 – 20 mm |
| Apparent Density | 3.4 – 3.6 t/m³ |
| Bulk Density | 1.6 – 1.9 t/m³ |
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Why Our DRI Is Preferred by Steel Manufacturers
Our DRI is sourced from reliable producers and supplied to buyers who demand consistency, purity and dependable logistics. Steel plants choose our DRI because it delivers both operational and commercial advantages.
Key Advantages of Our DRI
- High metallization suitable for EAF and induction furnaces
- Low sulfur and phosphorus content
- Stable and uniform size distribution
- Predictable melting behavior
- Reduced slag formation
- Improved steel yield
- Lower energy consumption compared to scrap-only charges
Typical DRI Specifications
- Form: Lumps
- High Fe content with strong metallization
- Low residual elements
- Consistent sizing for furnace charging
- SGS inspection at loading port
- Mill Test Certificate (MTC) available
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 10,000 MT per shipment
Flexible Routing via India and GCC Ports
One of our key strengths is offering flexible shipment routing based on buyer location, documentation needs and import regulations.
Indian Ports – Primary Supply Route
Most DRI shipments are arranged through Indian ports due to:
- Strong production capacity in India
- Competitive pricing in the global market
- Reliable supply chains
- Frequent vessel availability
- Shorter transit times to South Asia, GCC and Africa
Indian-origin DRI is widely accepted across Asia and Africa for its quality and consistency.
GCC Ports – Alternative Route
For buyers requiring alternative routing or specific documentation, shipments can be arranged through:
- UAE ports
- Oman ports
- Other GCC ports as per availability
This option is particularly useful for markets with origin restrictions or buyers who prefer GCC-based export documentation. Our routing flexibility ensures compliance and smooth customs clearance.
CIF DRI Supply – What’s Included
We supply DRI on CIF basis, which means the seller arranges cost, insurance and freight up to the destination port. Our CIF package includes:
- Ocean freight to buyer’s port
- Marine insurance
- SGS inspection at loading port
- Export documentation including COO, BL, CI, PL, SGS and MTC
- Vessel nomination and shipment scheduling
- Coordination through our Dubai export office
- Support for LC and SBLC processing
This gives buyers peace of mind, reduces risk and simplifies international procurement.
Applications of Direct Reduced Iron
DRI is widely used in various steelmaking operations:
- Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel production
- Induction furnace melting
- Mini steel mills
- Integrated steel plants as scrap substitute
- Alloy and special steel manufacturing
- Foundry operations requiring low residuals
Steelmakers often blend DRI with scrap to achieve the desired chemistry and improve furnace performance. In regions where quality scrap is limited or expensive, DRI becomes an essential raw material.
Target Buyers for Our DRI
Our DRI is suitable for:
- EAF steel plants
- Induction furnace units
- Mini mills
- Integrated steel producers
- Sponge iron-based steelmakers
- Bulk steel trading companies
- Port-based stockists supplying local mills
Key Importing Markets
We actively serve buyers in:
India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana and other African markets.
These regions continue to expand their steelmaking capacity and rely on imported metallics to supplement domestic production.
Why Choose Trade Africa for DRI Supply
Buyers choose us because we offer:
- Over 20 years of experience in steel and metal exports
- Seller-side coordination under a Dubai-based company
- CIF shipments via Indian and GCC ports
- SGS inspection for every shipment
- Reliable documentation and compliance
- Strong network of producers and logistics partners
- Multi-product capability: Billets, Pellets, DRI, HBI, Rebars and Copper
- Dedicated buyer support and communication
Our role is not just to sell material, but to ensure the entire transaction runs smoothly from inquiry to delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ) for DRI?
Our standard MOQ for DRI is 10,000 MT per shipment.