Iran’s steel production rose more than 15% year-on-year in January 2026, reaching 2.6 million metric tons, according to the latest report by the World Steel Association.

Why it matters:

The growth signals continued resilience in Iran’s industrial sector despite ongoing Western sanctions, reinforcing Tehran’s push for economic self-reliance and domestic production strength.

The big picture:

Iran maintained its position as the world’s 10th-largest steel producer.

The double-digit growth comes amid global market volatility and energy price fluctuations.

Steel remains a strategic industry for Iran, feeding construction, infrastructure, automotive, and export sectors.

Go deeper:

The steel sector is a cornerstone of Iran’s non-oil export strategy.

Authorities say investments in technology upgrades and domestic supply chains have helped offset the impact of sanctions.

Mojtaba Darabi - A.Akbari