Iran has banned the export of slabs and flat-rolled products until the end of May

Iran has temporarily suspended exports of a number of steel products, including slabs and various types of flat-rolled steel, until May 30, 2026. This was reported by the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran (TPO).

According to the organization’s statement, the decision was made based on resolutions issued by the country’s Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Trade, as well as the Supreme National Security Council. If the state of emergency is extended, the restrictions may be prolonged.

The list of products whose export is temporarily banned includes steel slabs, hot-rolled and cold-rolled sheet, tin-plated rolled products, galvanized sheet, coated rolled products, painted sheet, and strip.

The restrictions were introduced in the wake of the 40-day war between Iran, Israel, and the United States, during which two major Iranian steel plants were attacked—one in the central province of Isfahan and the other in southwestern Khuzestan. According to local sources, the strikes caused significant damage to production facilities, resulting in the shutdown of some capacity.

In addition to steel assets, petrochemical complexes were also damaged, causing disruptions in the industry. Tehran had previously restricted foreign sales of certain chemicals, petrochemical products, and polymers.

For the global steel market, Iran’s decision means a temporary reduction in the available supply of semi-finished products and flat steel, primarily for countries in the Middle East and Asia, where Iranian products have traditionally been present. This particularly applies to the slab segment, which is used for the further production of hot-rolled coils.

The suspension of exports could also support regional prices for flat steel if downtime at Iranian mills drags on and the ban is extended beyond May 30.

As a reminder, the Iranian steelmakers Khouzestan Steel and Mobarakeh Steel were hit by airstrikes carried out by the U.S. and Israel on March 27, damaging their storage and power supply infrastructure. This is expected to lead to a reduction in the production of billets and slabs and in the country’s export capacity in this segment.