Iran’s production of intermediate steel products rose 5.4% in the first eight months of the current Iranian year, helping offset a decline in overall steel output, industry data showed.
The Iranian Steel Producers Association said total steel production fell 1.1% year on year over the period, despite gains in upstream segments. Output of sponge iron increased 8.1%, while iron ore concentrate production rose 8.2%.
The growth in intermediate steel was attributed to warmer autumn weather, which prevented gas supply restrictions on steelmakers in early autumn. In contrast, production of steel beams fell sharply due to changes in production lines of Isfahan Steel Company, while flat steel output declined amid weak demand, export hurdles and continued imports.