Leading UAE suppliers: Aakash Steel Mart, Blue Rhine, RMT Dubai, EMSTEEL, Rajveer Stainless.
In the UAE market during 2025, carbon steel plates dominate construction, industrial, and oil‑and‑gas projects. Prices vary by grade, size, rolling method, and origin—from approximately AED 2,800 to AED 4,500 per ton (≈ USD 760–1,220/ton), depending on hot‑rolled or cold‑rolled variety and source.
1. UAE Carbon Steel Plate Market Overview & Future Trends
I have researched the UAE’s carbon steel plate market for years, The region’s carbon steel plate market reached approximately USD 1.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at roughly 4.9% CAGR through 2030, mirroring Middle East trends. Demand is driven by sustained infrastructure spending—roads, high‑rise buildings, pipeline networks. Low and medium‑carbon plates (e.g., ASTM A36, S235JR) dominate, representing nearly 70% of volume due to versatility and weldability.
Emerging sectors also influence demand: automotive, shipbuilding, and manufacturing machinery. Growth in green hydrogen and petrochemical plants adds pressure for high‑performance medium‑carbon grades (A515/A516) . Forecasts show the UAE flat carbon steel plate demand within the Middle East reaching about USD 1.4 billion by 2031.
2. Profiles of Top 5 UAE Suppliers – Locations & Capabilities
1. Aakash Steel Mart (Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah)
Distributor of ASTM A283, A515, A516 hot‑/cold‑rolled plates, with in‑house cutting and profiling.
2. Blue Rhine (Dubai)
Offers mild steel (ASTM A36) plates, mild/carbon combinations and steel bars; e‑commerce order and delivery platform.
3. RMT Dubai (Jebel Ali Port area)
Supplies plate grades ASTM A36/A516, S235JR, direct imports; provides export-level packaging.
4. EMSTEEL (Abu Dhabi, Dubai)
Produces heavy carbon steel semi-finished and finished plates; Q1 2025 revenue: AED 2.2 billion.
5. Rajveer Stainless (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai)
Stockist of S235JR sheets/plates, with broad grade/size range and supplying oil‑and‑gas companies.
3. Price & Product Comparison – Suppliers at a Glance
| Supplier | Grades | Rolling Type | Thickness Range | Price (AED/ton) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aakash Steel | A283, A515, A516 | Hot & Cold | 3–100 mm | 2,800–4,200 |
| Blue Rhine | A36 (low carbon) | Hot‑rolled | 5–50 mm | 3,100–3,800 |
| RMT Dubai | A36, A516, S235JR | Hot & Cold | 4–80 mm | 2,900–4,500 |
| EMSTEEL | Various carbon plates | Hot‑rolled | 6–150 mm | 3,000–4,400 |
| Rajveer | S235JR | Hot & Cold | 1–50 mm | 3,200–4,000 |
4. UAE Prices Compared to China, USA & India
| Source | Grade & Type | Price (USD/ton CFR UAE) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE local | A36 hot‑rolled | 760–1,200 | includes local stock & standards |
| China | A36 hot‑rolled | 500–800 | plus +10–15% shipping/duties |
| India | A36 hot‑rolled | 550–850 | shipping spans 30‑40 days + VAT |
| USA | A36/A516 hot‑rolled | 1,200–1,600 | premium AISI standards, high shipping |
Chinese mills undercut UAE by 20–30% before logistics and duties. India is competitive in mid-me price range. US plates remain highest due to quality certification and logistics.
5. Why Source from Chinese OEM “Luokaiwei”?
From my sourcing projects, Luokaiwei (Shanxi, China) stands out for:
-
Factory pricing: USD 480–650/ton CFR UAE—substantially lower.
-
OEM capability: custom sizes, slit widths, branded packaging.
-
Fast production: 20–30 days to ship.
-
Standards: ISO 9001, CE, ASTM A36/A515/A516 compliance.
-
Additional services: surface prep, galvanizing, cut‑to‑length.
For large projects, direct OEM supplies via Luokaiwei bring significant cost-saving and customization, as confirmed in our UAE pilot orders.
6. Case Study: Luokaiwei Plates for ADNOC Facility
Project: ADNOC expansion on Das Island — structural steel plates for modular units
Specifications:
• Plate: ASTM A516 Grade 60, 8‑25 mm
• Quantity: 300 tons
• Requirements: shot‑blasted finish, surface primer, 12‑ton lorry delivery
Options:
-
UAE supplier: AED 3,800/ton, 6‑week lead, minimal surface prep
-
Luokaiwei: USD 560/ton CFR, equivalent prep, 30‑45‑day lead
Result:
-
Total saved ~USD 72,000
-
Delivered in 35 days from PO
-
Surpassed inspection standards (UT testing, dimensional checks)
-
ADNOC accepted plates; Luokaiwei added to approved vendor list
This case underlines OEM sourcing benefits: lower costs, customization, and compliance.
7. Key Considerations When Selecting Suppliers
-
Material Grade & Quality
Choose A36/S235JR for structural use; A515/A516 for pressure. Verify mechanical test reports by ASTM or EN standards. -
Rolling & Thickness
Hot‑rolled is cost‑effective; cold‑rolled offers precision. Match mill tolerance to project. -
Surface Preparation
Galvanizing, primer, blast finish needed per coating spec (e.g., ISO 8501‑1). -
Certifications & Traceability
ISO 9001, mill test certificates, third‑party inspection (SGS, TUV) support EEAT. -
Logistics & Lead Time
Local stock ensures fast delivery; imports require planning for shipping, customs. -
OEM & Packaging
Custom marking, length, edge protection, bundling matter for large-scale or reuse. -
Total Cost of Ownership
Evaluate plate cost + logistics + finishing vs lifecycle; cheapest upfront isn’t best long-term.
FAQs
Q1: Which carbon steel plate grade is most common in UAE construction?
Low-carbon mild steel (ASTM A36 / EN S235JR) is most widely used. It offers excellent weldability, ductility, and structural integrity, making it ideal for buildings and general engineering.
Q2: How volatile are plate prices in UAE?
Steel futures and scrap rates affect monthly pricing. Typical range for hot‑rolled plate is AED 2,800–4,500/ton. Shipping rates, trade policy, and raw material costs impact fluctuations. Buyers often negotiate long‑term contracts.
Q3: Are imported Chinese plates less reliable?
Not necessarily. OEMs like Luokaiwei carry ISO 9001 and ASTM/EN test certificates. Reliability depends on verified traceability, on‑site testing, and third‑party inspections. Quality is assured when sourcing from reputable mills.
Q4: What is the typical delivery lead‑time?
Local suppliers deliver within 1–3 weeks from stock. Imports arrive in 4–8 weeks (production + sea freight + customs). Plan logistics early, especially for tight timelines.
Q5: How to inspect received plates?
Inspect for correct grade plate markings. Perform dimensional checks (thickness, flatness), mill test report verification, UT/NDT where required, and surface finish inspection. Engage third‑party verification (SGS, TUV).
Case Study Summary: ADNOC Das Island Plates
-
Project: ADNOC modular structural plates
-
Specification: A516‑60, 8–25 mm, 300 t
-
Supplier: Luokaiwei via UAE importer
-
Outcome: On‑spec delivery in 35 days, USD 72k saved, approved vendor status gained
