The blockade that the Gulf countries have imposed on Qatar is affecting the iron and steel industry negatively, according to the Turkish daily Dunya. According to Dunya, the construction sector, which exports goods mostly to Qatar because of the increasing construction projects in the country, is unable to ship products due to obstacles at ports and, if the crisis persists, the construction sector expects Qatar to source rebar from India.
Regarding the blockade, Namik Ekinci, chairman of the Turkish Steel Exporters' Association (CIB), stated that Turkey exported 8,000 mt of steel to Qatar in the last five years and that exports to the country could also be affected due to land and maritime transportation problems. Mr. Ekinci added the projects such as metro and stadium construction, ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, may also be affected by the recent developments.