Iran: Finished steel output edges up y-o-y in first month of current Persian year

Iran's finished steel production increased marginally by 1% y-o-y to 1.84 million tonnes (mnt) in the first month of the current Persian year (21 March-20 April, 2023), according to data released by the Iranian Steel Producers Association (ISPA).

Out of total production, long steel stood at 0.99 mnt (up 4% y-o-y) and flat steel was at 0.85 mnt (down 2% y-o-y).

Meanwhile, semi-finished steel output stood at 3.06 mnt, up 6% y-o-y. Billets and blooms accounted for 1.82 mnt of the total semis output, up 9% y-o-y, while slabs production inched up by 1% y-o-y to 1.24 mnt.

The country's steel production volumes continued to remain strong as electricity consumption and gas restrictions were better managed compared to the corresponding month last year.

As per ISPA data, direct reduced iron (DRI) production stood at 3.41 mnt in the period under review, an increase of 5% y-o-y.