GCC: Iron Angle Market 2025

Iron Angle Market Size in GCC

In 2021, the GCC iron angle market decreased by -24.8% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year rising trend. Over the period under review, consumption saw a deep reduction. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Iron Angle Production in GCC

In value terms, iron angle production reduced modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, posted significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 180% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020, and then fell slightly in the following year.

Iron Angle Exports

Exports in GCC

In 2021, overseas shipments of angles, shapes and sections (of iron or non-alloy steel) increased by 22% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, exports saw a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 79%. The volume of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, iron angle exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports recorded buoyant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when exports increased by 63%. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates represented the largest exporting country with an export of around X tons, which recorded 58% of total exports. Oman (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Bahrain (X tons) and Saudi Arabia (X tons). All these countries together held approx. 42% share of total exports.

Exports from the United Arab Emirates increased at an average annual rate of +15.6% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Oman (+52.3%), Saudi Arabia (+5.7%) and Bahrain (+4.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Oman emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in GCC, with a CAGR of +52.3% from 2012-2021. Oman (+20 p.p.) and the United Arab Emirates (+5.5 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Saudi Arabia and Bahrain saw its share reduced by -8.6% and -14.5% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) remains the largest iron angle supplier in GCC, comprising 59% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Oman ($X), with a 21% share of total exports. It was followed by Bahrain, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in the United Arab Emirates totaled +12.7%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Oman (+50.8% per year) and Bahrain (+5.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, rising by 27% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, recorded a mild reduction. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) and Bahrain ($X per ton), while Saudi Arabia ($X per ton) and Oman ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Bahrain (+0.7%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Iron Angle Imports

Imports in GCC

In 2021, iron angle imports in GCC dropped sharply to X tons, reducing by -27.2% against the previous year. Overall, imports continue to indicate a abrupt decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 23% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, iron angle imports reached $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a drastic downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when imports increased by 15%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The United Arab Emirates represented the largest importer of angles, shapes and sections (of iron or non-alloy steel) in GCC, with the volume of imports amounting to X tons, which was approx. 43% of total imports in 2021. Saudi Arabia (X tons) took a 28% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Qatar (11%), Kuwait (8.1%) and Oman (7.8%). Bahrain (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Kuwait (with a CAGR of +2.9%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

In value terms, the largest iron angle importing markets in GCC were the United Arab Emirates ($X), Saudi Arabia ($X) and Qatar ($X), together accounting for 83% of total imports. These countries were followed by Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, which together accounted for a further 17%.

Kuwait, with a CAGR of +4.6%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 39% against the previous year. Overall, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Saudi Arabia ($X per ton) and Bahrain ($X per ton), while Oman ($X per ton) and the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Saudi Arabia (+2.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform