BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 17. Iran's steel production decreased by 5.4 percent during the first five months of the current Iranian year (from March 20 through August 21, 2024) compared to the same period last year (from March 21 through August 22, 2023).
The data obtained by Trend from the country's steel producers shows that Iran produced about 12.2 million tons of crude steel during the five months. However, during the same period last year, steel production in the country was about 12.9 million tons.
The information notes that Iran produced 9.17 million tons of steel products during the five months. This indicates a decrease of 2.7 percent compared to the same period last year. However, 9.43 million tons of steel products were produced in the same period last year.
Furthermore, the report indicates that the country produced 17.5 million tons of sponge iron in the first five months. This shows a growth of 11.6 percent compared to the same period last year. Thus, about 15.7 million tons of sponge iron were produced in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, the report shows that the country produced 27 million tons of iron ore pellets during the five months. Production of iron ore pellets decreased by two percent compared to the same period last year. In the same period last year, iron ore pellet production was 27.6 million tons.
Moreover, the information emphasizes that Iran produced 30 million tons of iron ore concentrate during the five months. The production of iron ore concentrate increased by 9.6 percent compared to the same period last year. In the first five months of last year, 27.4 million tons of iron ore concentrate were produced.
Also, Iran produced 32.1 million tons of crude steel during the last Iranian year (from March 21, 2023 through March 19, 2024). Iran's crude steel production increased by 5.5 percent compared to the previous year (from March 21, 2022 through March 20, 2023). However, last year's crude steel production stood at 30.4 million tons.
To note, Iran's steel production potential is about 40 million tons per year. Iran plans to increase its steel production capacity to 55 million tons by 2025.