According to SteelRadar's data from the Arab Steel Union (AISU), total crude steel production in the Arab countries amounted to 3.4 million tons in March 2025, unchanged compared to the same period last year. However, production in the first quarter of the year (January-March 2025) increased by 1% to 10.5 million tons.
Looking at regional production shares in this period, Gulf countries accounted for the largest share of total production with 48%, while North Africa ranked second with 44%. The Eastern Mediterranean region accounted for 8% of production.
Crude steel production in the Gulf countries increased
During the month, total crude steel production in the Gulf countries decreased by 3.6% to 1,676 thousand tons compared to the same month last year. The largest producer in this region was Saudi Arabia with a production figure of 719 thousand tons, despite a 17.8% decrease. Significant increases were observed in other Gulf countries. Qatar increased its production by 19.2% to 130.6 thousand tons. Kuwait also increased its production by 23.5% to 105 thousand tons, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) increased its production by 4% to 331 thousand tons. Oman and Bahrain also managed to increase their production by 12% and 100% respectively.
Mixed performance in North African countries
North Africa accounted for 44% of the region's steel production in the same month, with a total output of 1,431 thousand tons. Egypt remained the region's largest producer with 828.3 thousand tons, down 4.8% compared to the same month last year. Algeria's crude steel production remained stable at 375 thousand tons. Other North African countries saw significant increases in production. Libya's crude steel production increased by 138.8% to 96.5 thousand tons in March, while production in Morocco rose by 4.2% to 125 thousand tons.
Strong performance in the Eastern Mediterranean region
In the Eastern Mediterranean region, total crude steel production increased by 15% to 315 thousand tons compared to the same month last year. Iraq's crude steel production increased by 14.5% to 275 thousand tons, maintaining Iraq's leadership in the region. Production in Jordan increased by 20% to 30 thousand tons. In Yemen, production increased by 11.1% to 10 thousand tons.
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