MENA : Middle East & North Africa

Steel production in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa remains far below the level of demand for steel in the region making it one of the great export markets for the world’s steelmakers.
ISSB maintains a fully detailed database of the exports, and imports, of steel and steelmaking raw materials for more than 50 major steelmaking nations, collectively accounting for 97% of global steel output.  With the national trade data of the countries within the MENA region not readily available ISSB’s coverage of the world’s dominant exporters places us in a leading position to assess the markets of the Middle East and North Africa. Below we summarise the some of the latest data available regarding the region.
If you want to know more about steel exports to, or imports from, the countries of the MENA region please either contact or use our on-line Trade Enquiry System.

Crude Steel Production

World Steel Association data shows that Global Crude Steel Production fell by 7% in 2009, or by 21% with Chinese growth excluded. Production in the Middle East increased by 6% in 2009, driven by a 9% increase in Iranian output while production in North Africa fell 12% leading to production across the region as a whole remaining unchanged. 2010 saw output in the Middle East increase by 11% while that in North Africa rose by 18% with 2011 seeing Middle Eastern production rise a further 7% with North African output falling by 15% following extensive unrest.

Trade in Steel

Combined exports of Steel Mill Products (semis, long & flat products, tubes) to the MENA region reached a record 48 million tonnes in 2008. While exports to the countries of the Middle East fell 22% in 2009 those to North African countries rose by 35% leading to only a 9% fall in the total shipped to the region as a whole. 2010 saw exports to the MIddle East rise just 7% on 2009 levels while exports to North Africa fell back 30% meaning that total exports to the region decreased a further 6%. Within the 6% fall in exports those of long products (construction orientated) fell by 23%.

If you want to know more about the markets for steel exports in the MENA region please contact or use our on-line Trade Enquiry System.