Arab countries’ crude steel production increased by 13.2% in July 2025

Arab countries recorded a strong increase in crude steel production during July 2025, with total output reaching 3.61 million tons, up 13.2% compared with the same month in 2024, according to the latest data released by the World Steel Association.

Strong Performance in the Gulf Region

Gulf countries contributed 1.858 million tons in July 2025, marking a robust 30.7% increase compared to the same period last year. During the first seven months of the year, total production reached 12.009 million tons, up 5.0%. Saudi Arabia led the region’s growth with 997,000 tons in July, a 54.1% year-on-year increase, bringing its year-to-date total to 5.83 million tons (+4.5%). UAE maintained steady growth at 263,000 tons (+14.8%) in July, with a cumulative output of 2.141 million tons (+2.4%). Qatar posted the highest growth rate in the region, jumping 67.8% to 169,000 tons in July, lifting its year-to-date total to 935,000 tons (+33.9%). Kuwait’s production remained stable at 85,000 tons in July, while cumulative output increased to 638,000 tons (+6.7%). In contrast, Oman’s production fell 3.8% to 250,000 tons in July, with a slight decline of 0.6% year-to-date. Bahrain registered a 5% drop in July to 95,000 tons, although cumulative production edged up 0.7% to 705,000 tons. Overall, July’s results highlight strong momentum in the Gulf steel sector, driven by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, while Oman and Bahrain faced production pressures.

Divergent Output Trends in North Africa

North Africa’s crude steel production slipped 1% in July 2025, totaling 1.471 million tons, compared to 1.486 million tons in July 2024. Despite this monthly decline, the region posted a 5.3% increase year-to-date, with cumulative output of 10.53 million tons. Egypt, the region’s largest steel producer, saw a sharp decline of 15.6% in July to 810,000 tons, with year-to-date production down 6.3% to 5.79 million tons. Algeria strengthened its position as a rising market, with production up 22.9% in July to 430,000 tons, bringing year-to-date output to 3.17 million tons (+26.8%). Morocco posted balanced growth, rising 8.7% in July to 125,000 tons, with cumulative production reaching 870,000 tons (+6.1%). Libya recorded the sharpest jump, with output soaring 79.6% in July to 101,000 tons, and year-to-date production up 43.4% to 662,000 tons. Tunisia registered a modest 9.1% decline in July to 5,000 tons, while year-to-date output edged up 2.2% to 37,000 tons. Overall, North Africa’s July figures show a mixed performance: Egypt and Tunisia faced declines, while Algeria, Libya, and Morocco achieved notable growth, sustaining the region’s positive cumulative trend.

Stable Output in the Eastern Mediterranean

Crude steel production in the Eastern Mediterranean remained stable in July 2025, totaling 282,000 tons, down slightly by 0.4% compared to the same month last year. For January–July, the region’s cumulative output reached 1.998 million tons (+0.9%) year-on-year. Iraq, the region’s largest producer, held steady at 250,000 tons in July, with cumulative output of 1.765 million tons (+1.1%). Jordan also remained unchanged at 25,000 tons in July, totaling 175,000 tons year-to-date. Yemen saw a sharper decline, down 12.5% in July to 7,000 tons, with year-to-date output falling 3.3% to 58,000 tons. In general, the Eastern Mediterranean market showed stability in July, with Iraq and Jordan flat, while Yemen continued to record slight declines.

Arab Countries

In total, Arab crude steel production rose to 24.5 million tons during January–July 2025, up 4.8% year-on-year. This performance was supported by strong growth in several Gulf countries —particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar—alongside positive results in Algeria and Libya in North Africa. The steady expansion reflects the resilience and ongoing growth of the Arab steel sector despite global economic challenges.