UAE-based steel producers say they do not expect a significant impact from the latest U.S. move to double tariffs on steel imports.
Effective June 4, the U.S. has raised tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25pct to 50pct, according to a White House proclamation. The new rates apply to all trading partners except the UK, which recently signed a preliminary trade agreement with Washington.
Despite the tariff hike, UAE steel manufacturers remain largely unaffected.
Michael Rion, Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Steel, part of EMSTEEL, said the U.S. decision may indirectly influence market dynamics but is unlikely to materially affect their business. “Our exposure to the U.S. is minimal, with exports accounting for less than 2pct of our annual sales,” he told a local newspaper.
Bharat Bhatia, CEO of Conares, echoed a similar sentiment. “With the U.S. market becoming less accessible, we anticipate growing demand and new opportunities within the GCC and MENA regions,” he said. The company, which produces rebar, pipes, and pre-painted galvanized steel, has a production capacity of 1.5 mln tons annually and is focusing on expanding its domestic market presence to meet infrastructure growth.
A domestic flat coated steel manufacturer told MEsteel that the tariff increase could affect short-term exports to the U.S. “We are in discussions with our customers to assess the potential impact,” the company’s official said.
In Q1 2025, the UAE exported 88,661 tons of steel products to the U.S., up 2.74pct YoY, based on data from the U.S. International Trade Administration. Of this, 34,163 tons were pipe exports, 28,193 tons flat steel, 22,119 tons long steel, and 4,186 tons stainless steel products.