Arab countries' crude steel production recorded a significant increase in June 2025, with total production reaching 3.337 million tons, an increase of 6.3% compared to the same month in 2024, according to the latest data issued by the World Steel Organization.
Strong Performance in the Gulf Region
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries contributed approximately 1.79 million tons to the total Arab output in June, achieving a 12.1% year-on-year increase. Saudi Arabia led the region with 913,000 tons, reflecting a strong 23.5% increase compared to June 2024. Qatar recorded the highest monthly growth rate at 32.1%, producing 128,000 tons. On the other hand, Oman (-7.7%) and Bahrain (-5%) witnessed declines in output. In the first half of 2025, the GCC’s total crude steel production reached 10.15 million tons, showing a modest 1.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The region accounted for 48% of total Arab production.
Country | June 2025 (000t) | % change June 25/24 | Jan-Jun 2025 (000t) | % change June 25/24 |
Saudi Arabia | 913 | 23.5% | 4,833 | -2.0% |
UAE | 327 | 4.1% | 1,878 | 0.9% |
Oman | 240 | -7.7% | 1,510 | 0.0% |
Bahrain | 95 | -5.0% | 605 | 0.8% |
Qatar | 128 | 32.1% | 767 | 28.2% |
Kuwait | 85 | 0.0% | 553 | 7.8% |
Total | 1,788 | 12.1% | 10,146 | 1.3% |
Balanced Growth in North Africa
North Africa produced 1.28 million tons in June, up 1.2% from the previous year. Egypt remained the top producer despite a 1.9% drop to 729,000 tons, followed by Algeria with 330,000 tons (-5.7%). Notably, Libya achieved a remarkable 107% increase in production, reaching 88,000 tons. From January to June 2025, North Africa’s total crude steel output amounted to 8.95 million tons, reflecting a 5.1% annual growth, which represents 44% of the Arab world’s total steel production in the period.
Country | June 2025 (000t) | % change June 25/24 | Jan-Jun 2025 (000t) | % change June 25/24 |
Egypt | 729 | -1.9% | 4,982 | -4.6% |
Algeria | 330 | -5.7% | 2,630 | 22.3% |
Morocco | 125 | 4.2% | 745 | 5.7% |
Libya | 88 | 107.0% | 560 | 38.4% |
Tunisia | 5 | -9.1% | 32 | 4.2% |
Total | 1,277 | 1.2% | 8,949 | 5.1% |
Stability in the Eastern Mediterranean
The Eastern Mediterranean region saw relatively stable production in June, totaling 272,000 tons, down 3.9% year-on-year. Iraq led the region with 240,000 tons, followed by Jordan and Yemen, which maintained modest production levels. For the first half of 2025, total production in the Eastern Mediterranean stood at 1.7 million tons, nearly unchanged from the previous year, accounting for 8% of Production of Arab countries
Country | June 2025 (000t) | % change June 25/24 | Jan-Jun 2025 (000t) | % change June 25/24 |
Iraq | 240 | -4.0% | 1,495 | 0.0% |
Jordan | 25 | 0.0% | 150 | 0.0% |
Yemen | 7 | -12.5% | 50 | -3.8% |
Total | 272 | -3.9% | 1,695 | 0.1% |
Arab countries
In summary, total crude steel production across Arab countries during the first half of 2025 reached 20.79 million tons, representing a 2.8% year-on-year growth. This positive trend reflects the continued resilience and expansion of the Arab steel sector, despite global economic challenges.
June 2025 (000t) | % change June 25/24 | Jan-Jun 2025 (000t) | % change June 25/24 | |
Total Arab countries | 3,337 | 6.3% | 20,790 | 2.8% |