Hot-rolled sheets are considered one of the critical needs for the development of the country’s industries. Recently, with the rise of the Republican representative in the White House and the potential impact on the status of sanctions, speculation regarding the effect of this on the import of essential goods, especially in the steel industry, has gained momentum.
Hot-rolled sheets are considered one of the critical needs for the development of the country’s industries. Recently, with the rise of the Republican representative in the White House and the potential impact on the status of sanctions, speculation regarding the effect of this on the import of essential goods, especially in the steel industry, has gained momentum. He added: Industries such as pipe and profile manufacturers or companies like Haft Almas, which operate in the cold rolling sector, are regular customers of sheets. Given the overall activity of these companies, it is assumed that the demand for sheet imports in the country will not differ significantly from previous years, at least until next year.
In regards to the impact of competition among international suppliers on the price and quality of imported products, Jahromi stated that the largest volume of steel sheet imports comes from China and India, with a small portion also coming from Russia. He added that, in addition to political factors, which have a short-term impact on this issue, the trend of decreasing prices, coupled with the stability of global iron ore prices in 2025—which roughly aligns with the year 1404 and the last quarter of 1403—will have the greatest influence. Therefore, the global price of sheets is expected to either stabilize or experience a slight decrease.
This steel import expert also commented on the logistics and transportation challenges affecting sheet imports, stating that there are some challenges regarding the import of goods from Russia via the northern part of the country. This issue is related to the weather conditions and sea conditions during the eight months of the year, which ultimately leads to an increase in shipping costs.
He added: The sheets imported from China and India to the southern part of the country do not face specific logistical challenges, unless a change in the U.S. presidency leads to a significant impact on sanctions and transportation, making it very difficult or impossible for ships to dock and unload such goods. Aside from these factors, there are no significant challenges in the transportation of steel sheets.
Jahromi explained the quality and standard of imported sheets in the country, stating that because many sheets imported into the country require mandatory standards, the government has a complete and permanent monitoring system in place to ensure their quality, and non-compliant sheets are not allowed to enter the country. In this regard, it can certainly be said that due to the measures taken and the arrangements made, the quality and standards are following a proper course.
He explained the impact of global sanctions and the strategies employed by sheet importers to counteract them: Regarding the impact of sanctions on the markets, the market has currently reached a balance and equilibrium and has been able to find its path and position. The Chinese, Indians, and Russians are aware that Iran is under sanctions, and therefore, in this market, which has been affected by Russia’s sanctions due to the war with Ukraine for about three years, we have reached a state of balance.
The procurement manager of Haft Almas Industrial Group, regarding the impact of exchange rates on steel sheet imports, stated: Since sheets are generally considered commodities (essential goods) and their price is determined in international exchanges, it is usually aligned with the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The price assessed in Iran is a combination of Shanghai transactions and the CIS market, which is evaluated based on the delivery of Russian sheets at the northern coast of the Black Sea.
He added: Ultimately, it can be said that approximately seventy percent of the price (CFR) in the Persian Gulf is based on a basket of Indian and Chinese sheets, while thirty percent is based on the delivery of Russian sheets in our northern market, namely the Black Sea or the Caspian Sea, which doesn’t differ significantly.
Jahromi, regarding the competitive strategies of steel sheet importers in the country, said: Due to the policies adopted by the government, most of the import quotas are production-based. Among trading companies and producers, there is no significant competition to import high-quality goods and supply them to the market. The reason for this is the drastic reduction in the import quotas for importers, as well as the requirement for producers to engage in consultations and obtain the necessary permits for import quotas and their use in production lines.
In conclusion, in response to a question regarding the overall outlook for sheet imports in Iran, he said: Given the current conditions, no major changes are expected unless sanctions, particularly logistics and transportation sanctions, become more stringent due to the presence of the elected Republican president in the White House.
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