Saeed Zarandi, CEO of Mobarakeh Steel Group, in an interview with a correspondent, referred to the company’s improved standing in the latest ranking of the World Steel Association and stated that Mobarakeh Steel succeeded in enhancing its global position at a time when Iran’s steel industry and many producers around the world were facing unprecedented challenges related to energy supply, market conditions, and geopolitical developments.
He noted that according to the World Steel Association’s 2026 report, Mobarakeh Steel climbed to 43rd place globally after recording crude steel production of 10.290 million tons in 2025.
“This achievement has been realized despite the fact that many major steel companies around the world have experienced production declines due to market downturns and various operational constraints,” he added.
Zarandi continued: “Mobarakeh Steel’s production performance in the Iranian year 1404 also reflects the continuation of the company’s growth trajectory. More than 10.89 million tons of steel were produced across Mobarakeh Steel Group, while production at the Mobarakeh Steel Complex itself exceeded 7.5 million tons. Had this production volume been reflected within the 2025 calendar-year evaluation period, Mobarakeh Steel’s global ranking could have been even higher.”
Referring to the damage caused by attacks on parts of the company’s production and power-generation infrastructure, the CEO stated: “The forced shutdown of certain crude steel production lines following enemy attacks will naturally affect this year’s production volume and, consequently, Mobarakeh Steel’s global ranking. Nevertheless, through the rapid implementation of reconstruction and modernization programs and the mobilization of technical and engineering capabilities, the restoration of equipment and the return to production capacity have been pursued with determination. We expect the results of these efforts to be reflected in future rankings.”
He also emphasized the importance of organizational resilience in large industries, noting: “The experience of recent months at Mobarakeh Steel demonstrated that resilience is no longer merely a competitive advantage; it has become a fundamental prerequisite for business continuity and sustainable development. By relying on a skilled workforce, crisis management structures, managerial cohesion, and pre-designed contingency plans, Mobarakeh Steel was able to maintain production flows and meet the needs of domestic industries even under difficult conditions, while returning to stable operations in the shortest possible time.”
The CEO stressed that the improvement in the group’s global standing was not an accidental achievement.
“Increased production, maintaining our position as the largest steel producer in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), and improving our global ranking are the results of a combination of strategic decisions, targeted investments, and the tireless efforts of the employees and specialists of Mobarakeh Steel Group,” he said.
He added: “In recent years, we have sought to transform Mobarakeh Steel’s business model from one dependent primarily on traditional advantages to one built upon sustainable competitive advantages. Expanding our portfolio of higher value-added products, focusing on advanced and premium steel grades, improving production efficiency, and investing in critical infrastructure have been among the key pillars of this strategy.”
Referring to the country’s challenging energy situation, Zarandi said: “The sharp rise in energy costs and limitations in electricity and gas supply represented some of the most significant challenges facing the steel industry last year.
Nevertheless, through the implementation of major infrastructure projects—including the development of dedicated power plants and the Oman Sea water transfer project—Mobarakeh Steel has worked to reduce operational risks and ensure production stability.”
He further stated: “Alongside these initiatives, the development of specialized and knowledge-based products has been pursued vigorously. The production of steel grades required by the automotive, oil and gas, and energy sectors, as well as the development of electrical steel production technology, has been placed on the company’s strategic agenda. This approach has not only generated greater added value but has also enhanced Mobarakeh Steel’s competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.”
Commenting on the global steel landscape, Zarandi noted: “The world steel industry remains dominated by major Asian producers. The presence of six Chinese companies among the world’s top ten steelmakers demonstrates that competition in this industry is becoming increasingly complex. Nevertheless, Mobarakeh Steel has been able to maintain—and even improve—its position in such a competitive environment.”
He emphasized: “Mobarakeh Steel’s one-place rise in the global ranking may appear numerically modest, but from a managerial and economic perspective it represents the company’s success in overcoming a broad range of domestic and international challenges—challenges that could have disrupted both production and development.”
The CEO concluded: “Mobarakeh Steel’s path forward is not limited to preserving its current position; rather, it is focused on advancing to higher levels of global competitiveness. The commissioning of major development projects, particularly the Hot Strip Mill No. 2 project, the expansion of advanced technology products, and the completion of the value chain will provide the foundation for further strengthening Mobarakeh Steel’s position among the world’s leading steel producers.”
