Prime Highlights :
- Crude steel production in Arab countries grew 7.2% during January–October 2025, driven by strong demand and expanding industrial capacity.
- Saudi Arabia and North African countries, particularly Algeria and Morocco, led the growth, boosting the region’s role in the global steel market.
Key Facts :
- Total steel output in Arab countries reached 36.048 million tons, with October production at 3.737 million tons, up 4.6% from last year.
- The Gulf region produced 17.785 million tons in ten months, a 9.3% increase, while North Africa’s output rose 6.3% to 15.420 million tons.
Background :
Arab countries recorded a strong rise in crude steel production during the first ten months of 2025. Higher demand and growing industrial capacity in the Gulf and North Africa supported the rise. The Arab Iron and Steel Union reported that production grew 7.2% from last year, reaching 36.048 million tons.
In October, Arab countries produced 3.737 million tons of steel, a 4.6% increase compared with October last year. The figures point to steady performance across major producing regions, including the Gulf, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Gulf region delivered one of its strongest results, led by Saudi Arabia. The kingdom raised steel output by 12.8% in October and by 12.9% over the January–October period to 8.866 million tons. This kept Saudi Arabia firmly in its position as the largest crude steel producer in the Arab world.
Overall steel production in the Gulf rose 5.8% in October to 1.824 million tons. Cumulative output for the first ten months climbed 9.3% to 17.785 million tons, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in the Arab steel industry.
North Africa also saw strong steel production, though results varied by country. In October, the region produced 1.631 million tons, up 4.2%, and total output for the first ten months rose 6.3% to 15.420 million tons. Algeria led the region, with production up 15% in October and 22.2% for the year so far. Morocco also increased output, while Egypt’s total production fell slightly, even though October output remained stable.
In the Eastern Mediterranean, production remained largely flat. Output slipped slightly in October but edged higher overall, with Iraq continuing to lead the sub-region.
The data show that strong growth in the Gulf and North Africa helped offset weaker performance elsewhere, strengthening the Arab region’s role in the global steel market.
