The steel sector in the Arab region witnessed notable positive developments during the period from January to November 2025, reflected in higher production levels and improved overall performance in several Arab countries. This progress was supported by the continued implementation of major development projects and increased demand for steel products, particularly in infrastructure and construction sectors. Despite challenges related to global market volatility and production costs, the sector recorded stable growth rates, with variations in performance across different Arab regions.
Gulf Region
The steel industry in the Gulf countries recorded strong performance during January–November 2025, with total production reaching approximately 19.64 million tons, achieving an annual growth rate of 9.2% compared to the same period in 2024.
On a monthly basis, production in November 2025 reached 1.85 million tons, up 8.2% year-on-year. Saudi Arabia led the region with production of 9.77 million tons (+12.2%), supported by the continuation of major development projects.
The UAE continued to achieve moderate growth of 3.6%, with production of 3.5 million tons. Qatar recorded the highest growth rate in the region at 40.3%, driven by a sharp increase in November output. In contrast, Oman and Bahrain saw slight declines in cumulative production, while Kuwait achieved positive growth of 6.1%.
Country | Nov-25 (000 tons) | Change Nov 24/25 | Jan–Nov 2025 (000 tons) | % Change 24/25 |
Saudi Arabia | 901 | 5.8% | 9,767 | 12.2% |
UAE | 347 | 3.0% | 3,499 | 3.6% |
Oman | 250 | 4.2% | 2,760 | -0.7% |
Bahrain | 98 | -2.0% | 1,091 | -1.3% |
Qatar | 166 | 66.9% | 1,533 | 40.3% |
Kuwait | 90 | 8.4% | 986 | 6.1% |
Total | 1,852 | 8.2% | 19,636 | 9.2% |
Source: AISU – WorldSteel
North Africa Region
The steel industry in North Africa showed steady growth during January–November 2025, with total production reaching 17.03 million tons, an increase of 6.7% compared to the previous year. November production amounted to about 1.61 million tons, up 9.9% year-on-year.
Algeria led regional growth with cumulative production of 4.98 million tons, posting a strong growth rate of 21.5%, while Egypt maintained the highest production level in the region at 9.6 million tons, despite a slight annual decline (-1.4%).
Libya also recorded notable cumulative growth of 30.8%, despite a sharp decline in November output, while Morocco and Tunisia continued to achieve limited but stable growth.
Country | Nov-25 (000 tons) | Change Nov 24/25 | Jan–Nov 2025 (000 tons) | % Change 24/25 |
Egypt | 951 | 12.9% | 9,601 | -1.4% |
Algeria | 460 | 15.0% | 4,980 | 21.5% |
Morocco | 125 | 4.2% | 1,378 | 6.4% |
Libya | 71 | -28.8% | 1,003 | 30.8% |
Tunisia | 6 | 0.0% | 71 | 7.6% |
Total | 1,613 | 9.9% | 17,032 | 6.7% |
Source: AISU – WorldSteel
Eastern Mediterranean Region
The performance of the steel industry in the Eastern Mediterranean region during January–November 2025 reflects a state of cautious stability, with total production recording a slight decline of 0.2% compared to the same period of the previous year.
This performance is attributed to differing conditions among producing countries in the region. Iraq and Jordan maintained nearly stable production levels, while Yemen continued to record declines due to operational and economic challenges.
Country | Nov-25 (000 tons) | Change Nov 24/25 | Jan–Nov 2025 (000 tons) | % Change 24/25 |
Iraq | 250 | -2.0% | 2,765 | 0.2% |
Jordan | 25 | 0.0% | 275 | 0.0% |
Yemen | 7 | -30.0% | 86 | -11.3% |
Total | 282 | -2.8% | 3,126 | -0.2% |
Source: AISU – WorldSteel
Total Arab Countries
Total crude steel production in Arab countries during January–November 2025 reached approximately 39.8 million tons, achieving an annual growth rate of 7.3% compared to the same period in 2024.
On a monthly basis, production in November 2025 amounted to about 3.75 million tons, an increase of 8.0% year-on-year, reflecting an overall improvement in sector performance and continued demand for steel products across several Arab markets.
This growth was driven by the strong performance of the Gulf and North Africa regions, while production in the Eastern Mediterranean region remained relatively stable, underscoring the pivotal role of regions with major development and investment projects in supporting the growth of the Arab steel industry in 2025.
Nov-25 (000 tons) | Change Nov 24/25 | Jan–Nov 2025 (000 tons) | % Change 24/25 | |
Total Arab Countries | 3,747 | 8.0% | 39,795 | 7.3% |
Source: AISU – WorldSteel