EISF plans to increase rebar output

EISF plans to increase rebar output

The government owned Emirates Iron & Steel Factory (EISF) is planning to increase its rebar output from 360'000 tons to 380'000 this year. In addition, at the end of 2004, the company aims to expand its rebar output to 500'000 tons. EISF operates a facility in Abu Dhabi with an annual capacity of approximately 600'000 tons. The company imports rolling billets from Turkey and Ukraine. EISF has restricted production this year due to supply problems and maintenance works. The company supplies its entire production to the local market. In line with this, the company has to compete with rebar exporters. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), around 70% of rebar consumption is met by imports. Hence, the local steel producers are asking for the government to take some protection measures.