Iran’s steel products exports decreased by 60pc to 809,665mt in the two first months of the Iranian calendar year (March 20 to May 19) from 2.41mn mt in the prior year period, according to Iranian Steel Producers Association’s data.
In May, Iranian ingots were in demand. Major Iranian steel producers exported 393,753mt products in the second Iranian month ended May 19, down by 5pc from 415,912mt exports in the prior month (April), which was higher despite Iranian New Year and COVID-19 pandemic. Major steel producers exported 291,429mt of semi-finished products in the month, down 49pc from a year ago.
Iran’s top export Khuzestan Steel Company exported 105,017mt ingots, 67pc lower than prior year period. South Kaveh Steel Company shipped 90,891mt, down by 11pc, Esfahan Steel Company (ESCO) exported 68,021mt, down by 35pc and Chadormalu Steel Company shipped 27,500mt, according to local media.
Alerting the government on the declining volumes of steel exports, the steel producers association has demanded that all restrictions on iron and steel exports be removed immediately. The association has asked the government to prioritize export development and provide export incentives for steel producers.