Diversifying product range, reducing carbon emissions need to be main focus for MENA steelmakers, top executives say: MEIS 2025

Key takeaways:

• MENA steelmakers must expand their product range to meet global and European market demands effectively
• Decarbonization and green steel adoption are critical for long-term competitiveness and environmental responsibility in the region
• Regional collaboration and downstream development are essential for creating a sustainable and competitive steel industry

Steel producers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region must prioritize diversifying their product range and reducing carbon emissions to remain competitive in global markets, according to senior executives speaking at Fastmarkets’ 28th Middle East Iron and Steel (MEIS) Conference and Exhibition in Dubai on Monday November 17.

Why do steelmakers need to expand product ranges?

Michael Rion, chief commercial officer at Emirates Steel, part of Emsteel, emphasized the need for MENA steelmakers to adjust their product mix to meet global demand.

The upcoming implementation of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on January 1, 2026 presents an opportunity for MENA steelmakers, who generally operate with lower carbon emissions. The European Commission is preparing provisional carbon emissions intensity benchmarks for iron and steel products under CBAM, according to a draft seen by Fastmarkets on Monday.

But steelmakers must expand their product mix to align with demand in European markets.

While the domestic market in the United Arab Emirates is strong, “we have to keep our presence in export markets,” Rion said.

Rafic Daou, vice chairman and managing director at Egypt’s Suez Steel, highlighted the importance of sustainability, stating: “we owe this to the next generation.” He noted that the additional cost of green steel — approximately $10 per square meter in housing construction, or $200 per tonne of rebar — is negligible when considering long-term environmental impact.

Daou also argued that exporting raw materials such as hot-briquetted iron (HBI) does not add value, and that countries should focus on exporting locally produced end products to generate employment and secure the future for younger generations.

Sharjeel Azhar, chief executive officer at Al-Ittefaq Steel in Saudi Arabia, called for regional value chain integration and downstream expansion to ensure sector sustainability. He stressed the need for government support in decarbonization investments, including mechanisms such as carbon taxes. Azhar noted that Saudi Arabia currently lacks specific decarbonization guidelines and agreed that downstream industry development is essential for driving the steel sector forward.

What’s ahead for steelmakers in the Middle East?

Harsha Shetty, chief executive officer at Jindal Steel Oman agreed and expressed his goal to sell 100% of the company’s steel output within the Middle East over the next decade, which he said would require extended downstream development and a fully integrated value chain.

Dilip George, group chief executive officer of Foulath Holding, said his company aims to establish a low-carbon steel value chain over the next 10 years, building on its pioneering work in pelletizing. “We will hopefully end up with really low carbon emission steel in 10 years’ time, as legacy,” George said.

Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, group chief executive officer at Emirates Steel, also highlighted the importance of sustainability in his opening keynote address at the conference.

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