At the 19th Arab Steel Summit and International Iron and Steel Exhibition in Cairo, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Industry Minister Khaled Hashem called for closer regional cooperation, more investment and stronger competitiveness in the sector. The event is taking place on November 3–4.
Arab countries produced about 45 million metric tons of steel in 2025, Madbouly said. He highlighted the industry’s role in infrastructure, construction and engineering, as well as its contribution to employment. He called for deeper industrial integration, easier trade between Arab countries and wider access to regional markets.
Egypt aims to strengthen its position as a regional steelmaking hub by expanding capacity and improving efficiency. The government is also working to lower production costs, improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions while balancing industrial growth with environmental considerations.
Madbouly said rising protectionism worldwide was changing steel trade flows: restrictions are redirecting exports to alternative markets and putting greater import pressure on local producers. Egypt is prepared to use trade remedies where justified and in line with international trade rules, he said.
Hashem said investment, new technologies and cooperation among Arab countries were key to developing the sector. He highlighted digital transformation, artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing, as well as closer links between companies, universities and research institutions to build technical expertise.
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