Since September 23, the Ministry of industry and mines of Iran has imposed a 25% tariff on iron ore exports in order to support domestic production and prevent the export of iron ore that did not create more added value, but the export continues. Azdizad, general manager of Isfahan iron and steel company in Iran, recently called for a 40% tariff on iron ore exports to prevent the depletion of iron ore reserves. He added that they are in urgent need of iron ore and that domestic demand for iron ore has increased The association of iron and steel producers of Iran also said that in terms of iron ore supply, priority should be given to the domestic market, while exports can only be the surplus part. 

However, due to trade convenience and strong global market demand, Iranian iron ore has a good market overseas. Especially last year, Iran's currency devalued and its exports became more profitable. According to the data, in the last fiscal year (March 2018-19), Iran exported 17 million tons of iron ore with a total export volume of US $840 million. At present, Iran is the tenth largest iron ore reserve country in the world, with a reserve of 4.5 billion tons, accounting for about 3% of the global iron ore reserve. It has more than 200 deposits, with a proven reserve of about 3.3 billion tons. It is estimated that by March 2036, the domestic steel industry will be able to fully consume these reserves. For many years, Iran has been debating the export of raw minerals, especially iron ore. 

According to government officials, the improvement of Iran's steel-making capacity (expected to reach 55 million tons by the end of 2025), the need for stable growth of iron ore raw materials, and the export of raw materials is not conducive to the interests of the industry. On the other hand, Iran's iron ore miners (mostly from the private sector) believe that the imminent specter of bankruptcy can only be avoided through exports, which they believe are their last lifeline in the event of domestic market imbalance. According to the data, more than 60% of Iran's mines have less than 1 million tons of iron ore, and are mainly operated by the private sector, while the larger mines are owned or semi privatized nationwide. Small and medium-sized iron ore accounts for 5% of Iran's total reserves, but 24% of its annual production.