Jafza Chief sees notable growth in the steel sector

STEEL industry in Jafza has seen a huge growth of over 20% in 2013, which is more than the rate of industry growth in the UAE.

Al Janahi, stated, "The remarkable growth is largely driven by robust recovery in the real estate industry and planned infrastructure projects in the UAE and other GCC countries. Expo 2020 is going to provide further boost to the construction sector in general and steel industry in particular, across the region. Jafza accounts for almost 40% of the steel produced in the country, therefore, the growth in the sector reflects the economic resurgence in the region."

The UAE produced almost 3 million tonnes of steel in 2013. With such an impressive output the country plays quite an important role in the regional steel industry.

Jafza-based Conares Steel, the second largest steel manufacturer in the country, which produces 750,000 tons of different steel products, has reported a growth of 40% in 2013. The company expects similar growth in 2014. More than 60% of the Conares' output is consumed in the GCC. The remainder is exported to the US, Canada and countries in the Far East.

Qatar Steel Company FZE in Jafza has reported more than 300% growth in the last five years. In 2013 the company's total production crossed 500,000 tons. The company's growth is largely driven by growing demand for rebars and wire-rod products in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman. It is also exporting its products to India, Singapore and the USA. Qatar Steel  expect more than 20% year on year growth in the next few years. FIFA World Cup and Expo 2020 will certainly drive growth in the region in the coming years.

Duke International, a leading player in structural steel expects to maintain a yearly growth of 20% for the next couple of years. The company has sold more than 80,000 MT of structural steel in 2013.

Lastly, Jafza based AB Metals, who is exclusive dealer of Abu Dhabi based Al Ghurair Iron and Steel's GI coils/sheets for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expects more than 30% year on year growth in its sales in the Kingdom.