Steel slab export is one of the important sectors of Iran's international steel trade. A steel slab, also known as a steel semi-finished flat product, is one of the intermediate products in the steel value chain and is used as a raw material for producing various steel sheets, hot coils, and flat steel products. Therefore, there is demand for steel slabs in various industrial markets, particularly in countries with steelmaking and rolling industries.
Steel slab export is one of the important sectors of Iran's international steel trade. A steel slab, also known as a steel semi-finished flat product, is one of the intermediate products in the steel value chain and is used as a raw material for producing various steel sheets, hot coils, and flat steel products. Therefore, there is demand for steel slabs in various industrial markets, particularly in countries with steelmaking and rolling industries.
Iran has significant potential for steel slab exports due to its access to suitable raw materials, considerable steel production capacity, and access to land, rail, and maritime transportation routes. However, exporting this product is not limited to finding a foreign buyer. Factors such as the technical specifications of the slab, global steel prices, customs requirements, export regulations, transportation costs, payment terms, and foreign currency repatriation also play an important role.
In this article, we examine the conditions for steel slab export from Iran, the export process, factors affecting prices, required documents, export costs, and the most important points related to the purchase and sale of export-quality steel slabs.
A steel slab, or Steel Slab, also known in Iran as "Takhtal," is a flat semi-finished product of the steelmaking process that is generally produced through continuous casting.
Unlike billets and blooms, slabs have a rectangular cross-section and greater width and are mainly used to produce flat steel products. After undergoing various rolling processes, slabs are converted into products such as hot-rolled sheets and different types of steel coils.
For this reason, the quality of an export slab has a direct impact on the quality of the final product manufactured by the rolling mill, and foreign buyers generally examine the technical specifications of the product carefully.
Depending on the manufacturer and the customer's order, slabs can be produced in different dimensions and grades. Some of the most important specifications considered in export transactions include:
Steel grade and chemical analysis
Slab dimensions and thickness
Slab width
Weight of each slab
Percentage of carbon, manganese, silicon, and other alloying elements
Surface quality
Production standard
Production method
Quality control tests and certificates
Dimensional tolerance
Therefore, when purchasing export steel slabs, price per ton should not be the only decision-making criterion, and the product's technical specifications must also match the requirements of the buyer's plant.
The steel slab export process involves a series of commercial, technical, financial, and customs procedures. Before finalizing a transaction, the exporter must evaluate the target market, product specifications, price, transportation method, and requirements of the destination country.
In general, the steel slab export process includes the following steps:
Identifying the market and foreign customer
Reviewing the buyer's required technical specifications
Checking available inventory and supply capacity
Providing an export quotation
Negotiating the terms of the transaction
Preparing the sales contract
Supplying and preparing the slabs
Completing customs formalities
Loading and transporting the product
Delivering the goods at the destination according to the contractual terms
Completing financial procedures and foreign currency repatriation in accordance with applicable regulations
In large-scale transactions, choosing an experienced trading company and supplier can significantly reduce export-related risks.
One of the most important issues that slab exporters should consider is the changing nature of steel export regulations.
In 2026, the export of slabs and certain flat steel products was temporarily suspended for a period. According to a directive issued by the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, the export of slabs and certain steel sheets had been prohibited until May 30, 2026. This restriction was imposed due to the country's specific circumstances and with the aim of prioritizing the supply of the domestic market.
However, this restriction was not permanent. In June 2026, the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade announced that following the end of the specified period and with no need to extend the restriction, the export of slabs and steel sheets was once again permitted.
Therefore, under the current conditions, steel slab exports from Iran are possible. However, exporters should review the latest directives issued by the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, the Trade Promotion Organization, and the Iranian Customs Administration before each shipment, as regulations governing steel product exports may change depending on domestic market conditions and trade policies.
Another important issue in slab exports is the reference export value used by customs.
In July 2026, the Iranian Customs Administration updated the reference export values for steel products. These values are used for customs procedures and related calculations and do not necessarily represent the actual transaction price between the exporter and the foreign buyer.
Therefore, the final export price of steel slabs should be determined based on the product specifications, market conditions, destination, transportation costs, contractual terms, and current market conditions.
Export duties on steel products are among the factors that should be reviewed before finalizing an export price.
Export duty rates for steel products have changed over the years, and a single fixed rate cannot be applied to all periods. For example, previous regulations have established different rates for steel billets and slabs.
Therefore, when preparing a slab export contract, the latest export duty schedule and regulations applicable at the time of customs declaration should be reviewed.
This issue is particularly important because even a change of a few percentage points in export duties can have a significant impact on the total export cost of a shipment weighing several thousand tons.
The price of export steel slabs is not a fixed figure and depends on multiple factors.
The most important price-determining factors include:
Global steel prices and flat steel product prices are among the most important factors affecting the price of export slabs.
Slabs with specific grades or special chemical specifications may have different prices compared with standard grades.
The thickness, width, length, and weight of each slab can affect both the price and transportation costs.
The price of a bulk shipment is generally different from that of smaller orders. Larger volumes may provide greater room for price negotiation.
Transportation costs and market conditions in the destination country have a direct impact on the final price.
The price of slabs is not the same under different commercial terms such as FOB, CFR, and CIF.
Land, rail, or sea transportation costs, depending on the route and destination, can account for a significant portion of the final price.
Exchange rate fluctuations are also an important factor in determining the export price of Iranian steel products.
Therefore, to obtain the latest price of export steel slabs, it is advisable to specify the exact product specifications, required volume, destination, and delivery terms.
The target market for slab exports depends on various factors such as the rolling capacity of the destination country, geographical distance, transportation costs, import regulations, and competitive conditions.
Regional and geographically close markets to Iran generally offer greater advantages in terms of transportation costs and delivery times. In addition to regional countries, other markets may also be suitable for slab exports depending on pricing and transaction terms.
Markets that can be considered for the export of Iranian steel products include:
Gulf countries
Iraq
Turkey
Central Asian countries
Some Asian countries
Regional markets and markets close to maritime transportation routes
The target market should be selected based on achievable pricing, transportation costs, import tariffs, required standards, and the feasibility of financial settlement, rather than solely on the volume of demand.
Turkey is one of the major steel industry countries in the region. Due to its significant rolling capacity and steel production capabilities, it can be considered one of the potential markets for slab exports.
However, before entering into a transaction, an Iranian exporter should review Turkey's steel import requirements, applicable standards, customs regulations, and transportation costs.
Competition with domestic producers and other exporters is also one of the key factors determining success in this market.
Iraq is also considered an important market for regional steel trade due to its geographical proximity to Iran and the development of construction and industrial activities.
One of the advantages of exporting to Iraq is the possibility of using land transportation on many routes. Compared with more distant markets, this can reduce transportation costs and delivery times.
However, the import regulations, payment terms, and customs requirements of Iraq should be reviewed for each transaction.
Choosing the appropriate transportation method is one of the most important decisions in slab exports. The high weight of steel shipments means that transportation costs play a significant role in the final price.
For large-volume shipments and exports to more distant destinations, sea transportation is generally one of the main options.
Depending on the destination and contractual terms, the goods can be shipped from Iranian ports to the destination port.
For neighboring countries such as Iraq and certain countries in the region, land transportation can be a suitable option.
The main advantage of this method is the possibility of faster delivery compared with certain maritime routes.
On some export routes, rail transportation can also be used for steel shipments and may offer specific advantages in terms of transportation capacity and cost.
The best transportation method depends on the destination, shipment weight, contractual terms, and available infrastructure.
Required documents may vary depending on the type of transaction, destination country, and applicable regulations. However, in an export transaction, documents and information such as the following are generally important:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List, if required
Sales Contract
Shipping Documents
Certificate of Origin
Customs documents and records
Certificate of Analysis and product technical specifications
Quality control certificates, if requested by the buyer
Information regarding packaging and shipment specifications
For some industrial customers, providing a Mill Test Certificate or MTC, as well as the chemical and mechanical analysis results of the product, is also particularly important.
One of the major differences between domestic and export slab sales is the greater sensitivity of foreign buyers to the technical specifications and quality of the product.
Before the shipment is dispatched, it must be confirmed that the slab complies with the standards and specifications agreed upon in the contract.
The following factors may be examined during quality control:
Chemical composition
Dimensions
Weight
Surface quality
Surface defects
Internal quality
Steel grade
Dimensional tolerance
Quality control test results
In professional export transactions, the product's technical specifications should be clearly stated in the contract.
The delivery terms have a direct impact on the export price.
Under FOB terms, the seller prepares the goods for loading on board the vessel at the agreed loading location, while subsequent costs and responsibilities are borne by the buyer according to the applicable Incoterms rule.
Under CFR, in addition to the obligations applicable under FOB, the seller also pays the ocean freight to the destination port. However, insurance is not the seller's responsibility under CFR Incoterms.
Under CIF, in addition to ocean freight, insurance is also arranged by the seller.
Therefore, when comparing two export quotations, it is essential to determine exactly which delivery terms the quoted price is based on.
In large-scale steel transactions, the reliability and quality of the supplier are extremely important. A professional supplier should be able to provide not only competitive pricing but also transparent information regarding the technical specifications and actual supply capacity.
The most important benefits of working with a reliable supplier include:
Access to reputable manufacturers
Ability to supply large volumes
Control of product technical specifications
Provision of required documents and certificates
Transportation coordination
Handling export and customs procedures
Reducing the risk of delivery delays
Ability to offer commercial terms tailored to the destination
Iran is one of the major steel producers in the region, and access to raw materials, energy, steel production capacity, and a favorable geographical position provides significant export potential.
Moreover, Iran's proximity to markets such as Iraq, Turkey, the Gulf countries, and Central Asia can reduce transportation costs compared with some more distant competitors.
However, competition in the global steel market is intense, and the final price must be determined in a way that covers production and export costs while remaining competitive for the foreign buyer.
Alongside the opportunities available, steel slab exports also involve several challenges.
Some of the most important challenges include:
Changes in export regulations
Changes in export duties
Fluctuations in global steel prices
Exchange rate fluctuations
Banking and money transfer restrictions
Transportation costs
Potential energy and production restrictions
Competition with producers from other countries
Changes in destination market conditions
Technical requirements and standards of the importing country
Therefore, successful slab exports require simultaneous analysis of the steel market, trade regulations, and the financial conditions of the transaction.
Before finalizing an export contract, it is advisable to review the following:
The exact technical specifications of the product should be determined.
The slab grade and chemical analysis should match the buyer's requirements.
The supplier's actual supply capacity should be verified.
The latest export regulations should be checked.
Export duties and customs costs should be reviewed.
The customs reference value should be included in the calculations.
Transportation costs to the destination should be calculated.
Payment terms should be clearly stated in the contract.
Insurance and transportation responsibilities should be clearly defined.
The documents and certificates required by the buyer should be identified from the beginning.
Foreign currency repatriation requirements and related obligations should be reviewed.
Potential risks related to regulatory changes should be addressed in the contract.
Tisa Tamin Trading Group, with a focus on steel product sourcing and international trade, provides domestic and international customers with the opportunity to source and export various steel products, including steel slabs.
Sourcing products from reliable sources, reviewing technical specifications, coordinating export procedures, and arranging transportation are among the key factors in a professional export transaction.
To receive information about export steel slab prices, technical specifications, minimum order quantities, payment terms, and shipping options to your desired destination, you can contact the Tisa Tamin experts.
Conclusion
Steel slab export is an important part of Iran's steel product trade. Given the country's steel production capacity and geographical position, various markets can be targeted for this product.
Under current conditions, the temporary restriction on slab exports imposed in spring 2026 ended in June, and exports of this product were once again declared permissible. However, due to the changing nature of regulations, exporters should review the latest export, duty, and customs regulations before each shipment.
On the other hand, the price of export slabs depends on factors such as global steel prices, product grade and specifications, order volume, destination, transportation costs, exchange rates, and delivery terms. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a fixed price without specifying the details of the transaction.
If you are looking for steel slab purchase or export from Iran, choosing a reliable supplier, carefully reviewing technical specifications, calculating all export costs, and selecting the appropriate transportation method can play an important role in the success of the transaction.
Yes. The temporary restriction on slab exports, which had been in effect until May 30, 2026, ended in June 2026, and the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade announced that exports of slabs and steel sheets were once again permitted. However, the latest regulations should be reviewed before each shipment.
The price of export slabs is not fixed and is determined based on the grade, dimensions, order volume, destination, global market prices, delivery terms, and transportation costs.
Regional countries including Iraq, Turkey, the Gulf countries, and some Central Asian countries can be considered potential markets for Iranian steel slab exports.
Depending on the transaction and destination country, commercial and customs documents, shipping documents, a Certificate of Origin, and technical and quality control documents may be required.
The main application of slabs is the production of flat steel products such as hot-rolled sheets and various types of steel coils.
Yes. Tisa Tamin Trading Group operates in the sourcing and export of steel products, including steel slabs, and can evaluate export orders based on technical specifications, volume, and destination.
Tisa Trading Group, with a history of more than 10 years, is one of the largest suppliers of graphite electrodes for the steelmaking industry in the country. This company, relying on foreign investment, has provided various types of graphite electrodes in the sizes required by Iranian industries.
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