The outbreak of war in the Middle East has affected ports and shipping, prompting stainless steel producers to review shipments to countries impacted by the conflict. Based on 2025 data, demand at risk is estimated at nearly 30,000 tons, including about 16,000 tons of stainless steel cold-rolled products that may face shipment disruptions.

The conflict has spread across the region, with Lebanon also drawn into the war. Nearby countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Iraq, may also be affected.

Taiwanese stainless steel producers are urgently reviewing shipments of steel products to affected areas and are contacting local importers to discuss contingency plans and assess potential impacts. Traders said that even if ports are not directly hit, vessels may be unable to dock due to disruptions in regional shipping, creating shipment problems. Regional shipping routes have already faced delays and rising freight costs amid security risks and uncertainty.

According to Taiwan customs statistics, exports to Middle Eastern countries mainly consist of 300-series cold-rolled stainless steel, totaling about 16,000 tons last year. Israel accounted for nearly 6,000 tons, followed by the United Arab Emirates with about 5,000 tons.