Semis drive steel import growth in Jan-Apr 2026

Imports of semi-finished and finished steel products (HS 7207-7229) increased by 40.4pct YoY to 100,162 tons during January-April 2026, according to customs data reviewed by MESTEEL.

The increase was driven almost entirely by a surge in semi-finished steel imports under HS 7207, while imports of finished steel products declined compared with the corresponding period of 2025.

Semi-finished steel imports reached 50,442 tons during the first four months of 2026, up sharply from 15,511 tons a year earlier. As a result, semi-finished steel accounted for 50.4pct of total steel imports, making it by far the largest import category during the period.

India remained the leading supplier of semi-finished steel, while Oman and Saudi Arabia significantly increased their presence in the market. Imports from Oman rose sharply from a low base in 2025, while Saudi Arabia emerged as a notable supplier.

Long product imports, including wire rod, rebar, merchant bars, sections and wire products, totaled 27,346 tons during January-April 2026, down 6.5pct from 29,243 tons in the corresponding period of 2025. Wire rod remained the largest long product category and was supplied primarily by Saudi Arabia. Rebar imports declined sharply YoY, although Qatar retained its position as the dominant supplier. Structural steel sections also remained a significant category, reaching approximately 4,700 tons during the period.

Flat steel imports, including hot rolled, cold rolled and coated steel products, totaled 14,073 tons during January-April 2026, down 11.9pct YoY. Hot rolled products remained the largest flat steel category, while China continued to play a leading role in the market. The UAE remained an important supplier of galvanized steel products, while India and Saudi Arabia also maintained a presence across several flat steel categories.

Imports of stainless and alloy steel products totaled 1,526 tons during the first four months of 2026, down 30.5pct from the same period last year and accounting for a relatively small share of overall steel imports.

The shift toward semi-finished steel imports coincided with temporary operational disruptions within Bahrain’s steel sector. Foulath Holding, the parent company of SULB and Bahrain Steel, declared force majeure and temporarily suspended certain activities in late March due to regional geopolitical developments and logistics concerns before resuming operations shortly thereafter.

Regional supply chains also continued to face logistical challenges during the period. Higher freight costs, war-risk premiums, shipping schedule adjustments and tighter maritime security measures across the Gulf have encouraged buyers to increase sourcing from nearby suppliers, particularly Oman and Saudi Arabia.