📡2026.5.20 Middle East Steel Weekly – FREE SAMPLE

Report Period: May 13 – May 20, 2026
Analyst: Amy SteelInsights (amyinsights.com)

*This is a limited preview. The full report includes complete price tables for China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Egypt, full import viability assessments with war risk and inland trucking costs, a week-on-week deep dive comparing this period to May 6–13, and specific quantified action items for procurement and sales teams.*

📌 Core Insights Preview (Excerpt from Full Report)

• China Billet Export Prices Soften as Post-Holiday Rally Peaks – Chinese billet FOB declined week-on-week, driven by softening domestic billet in Tangshan and weaker steel futures. However, record-high export order books and wide international spreads argue against a sustained decline. (Sources: SMM, BigMint, Mysteel)
• Saudi Hadeed Expected to Cut July Rebar Prices as Buyers’ Market Emerges – The market maker is anticipated to announce a significant on-month decline in its July-rolling rebar price, driven by the Hajj and Eid Al Adha seasonal demand slowdown. Contractors are withholding enquiries, and all mills except Hadeed are eager to sell. (Sources: Kallanish)
• Hormuz Transit Recovers to Wartime Average – But Iran Institutionalizes Control – Weekly vessel crossings nearly tripled to the wartime average, and two Chinese VLCCs successfully exited the Gulf. However, Iran formalized its control by creating the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, stating traffic will not return to pre-war status. (Sources: Kpler, Seatrade Maritime, AFP)
• Iran Export Suspension Deadline Approaches – Only Days Until May 30 Binary Risk – The ban covering 66 tariff codes nears expiration, with extension widely expected given near-total shutdown of Mobarakeh Steel. The decision will shape regional semi-finished and flat steel supply into the third quarter. (Sources: Etemad, Mysteel)
• Baltic Dry Index Retreats from 2.5-Year High – Modest Freight Relief for Importers – The BDI fell for three consecutive sessions as Capesize and Panamax rates eased, providing a tactical freight cost reprieve for Middle East steel importers, though the index remains above 3,000. (Sources: Baltic Exchange)

💰 Price Snapshot (Selected Benchmarks)

Full report includes: Complete FOB China table across eight product categories, Saudi three-tier rebar market analysis, UAE market activity assessment, Turkey scrap-to-rebar margin compression tracking, Egypt safeguard duty-adjusted landed costs, and detailed week-on-week changes versus the prior period.

🚢 Port & Logistics Status Summary

💡 Actionable Advice Preview

For Procurement Managers (Buyers)

• ⏳ Hold rebar orders pending Hadeed’s July-rolling price announcement. The market expects a significant on-month decline due to seasonal demand slowdown. All mills except Hadeed are eager to sell below current forward quotes. Defer large-volume rebar purchases until the announcement this week, then engage competing mills for tactical spot purchases.
• ✅ Tactically lock Chinese billet at current FOB levels before the Iran deadline passes. Chinese billet prices have softened, but record export order books and the persistent Iranian supply vacuum provide structural floors. With the May 30 Iran decision approaching and extension widely expected, the current consolidation window may close quickly.

For Export Sales Managers (Sellers)

• ✅ Maintain CFR Jeddah offers with transparent cost breakdowns – structural cost floor is intact. Despite modest FOB softening, scrap remains firm and export demand is structurally strong. Resist buyer pressure for deep discounts by itemizing freight, war risk, and FOB components transparently.
• ✅ Prepare dual sales strategies for Iran’s May 30 deadline. Extension is the consensus, but whether the ban extends or lifts, former Iranian customers in Iraq and Gulf markets need reliable supply. Have aggressive CFR offers ready for both scenarios, emphasizing delivery reliability.

📈 What You Get in the Full Report

The complete 20+ page weekly report equips you for six-figure procurement and sales decisions with:

• Comprehensive Price Tables: 40+ price points across 8 product categories and 6 regional markets, all with source citations.
• Week-on-Week Deep Dive: A dedicated section comparing this week’s data against May 6–13 across seven dimensions – prices, policy, currencies, logistics, sentiment, new data, and overall assessment – with a forward price forecast and three supporting arguments.
• Iran May 30 Binary Risk Analysis: Detailed assessment of the approaching export suspension deadline, with separate procurement and sales strategies for extension vs. lifting scenarios.
• Saudi Market Sentiment Breakdown: Analysis of Hadeed’s expected July-cut, the emerging buyers’ market, Hajj/Eid seasonal impact, and how competing mills are positioning.
• Dual-Perspective Action Items: Separate, prioritized advice for procurement teams and export sales teams with specific price triggers, routing recommendations, and compliance guidance (SASO 2938, SABER post-arrival certification elimination).

Disclaimer: This free sample contains excerpts from the May 20, 2026, Middle East Steel Weekly Report compiled by Amy SteelInsights. Data is sourced from BigMint, Mysteel, SMM, Kallanish, Baltic Exchange, Kpler, project44, and official government announcements. Geopolitical conditions, freight rates, war risk premiums, and port accessibility are subject to rapid change. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute trading or investment advice.

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