Worldsteel Welcomes New Members, Enhancing Global Collaboration and Growth
On April 8, 2025, the World Steel Association proudly announced the addition of five major steel producers to its network as regular members. The new members hail from different corners of the globe, including Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Colombia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. This expansion reflects the continued growth of the steel industry worldwide, with the addition of these companies contributing to the shared mission of advancing the global steel sector.
The five new members are:
1. AL-ITTEFAQ Steel Products Company from Saudi Arabia, represented by Sharjeel Azhar.
2. Daehan Steel Co., LTD from South Korea, represented by Kyung-Baek Lee.
3. Diaco S.A. from Colombia, represented by Mauro De Castro.
4. SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation from the Philippines, represented by Sean Andre Sy.
5. VAS Group Nghi Son Joint Stock Company from Vietnam, represented by Bao Khanh Nguyen.
This diverse group of steel producers brings a wealth of expertise and resources to the table, enhancing worldsteel’s ability to drive innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration in the industry.
Significance of Worldsteel Membership
Worldsteel is a leading international trade association for the steel industry, comprising steel producers, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel-related organizations. Its mission is to promote the steel industry’s interests, advancing the sector’s performance and competitiveness while addressing challenges such as sustainability, climate change, and global economic trends.
Becoming a member of worldsteel offers steel producers the opportunity to participate in a wide range of industry initiatives, share knowledge, and collaborate on technological advancements and best practices. The inclusion of AL-ITTEFAQ Steel Products, Daehan Steel, Diaco, SteelAsia, and VAS Group Nghi Son Joint Stock Company further strengthens the association’s global reach and its efforts to create a more sustainable and competitive steel industry worldwide.
A Global Industry Network
Each of the new members brings a unique perspective to the association, and their membership will foster deeper cooperation between steel producers from different regions. This includes sharing insights on advanced production techniques, sustainability practices, and digital innovations in steel manufacturing. Furthermore, these companies will now have access to worldsteel’s vast resources, research, and events, all of which contribute to shaping the future of the global steel industry.
Sharjeel Azhar, representing AL-ITTEFAQ Steel Products Company, expressed the company’s excitement about joining worldsteel: “We are proud to be part of worldsteel, a platform that connects the global steel industry. By joining this esteemed association, we aim to contribute to the development of innovative solutions for the steel sector, while also sharing our own expertise in sustainable steel production.”
Kyung-Baek Lee from Daehan Steel Co., LTD echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Joining worldsteel presents an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with other industry leaders and share our experience in developing efficient and environmentally-friendly steel production methods.”
Growing Influence of Steel in Global Economies
The addition of these new members also underscores the expanding influence of steel producers in emerging economies. With steel being a key component in the infrastructure, manufacturing, and construction sectors, countries like Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Colombia, the Philippines, and Vietnam are playing an increasingly important role in the global steel industry. The continued growth of these markets is vital not only for the steel industry but also for the overall global economy.
Mauro De Castro of Diaco S.A. in Colombia emphasized the importance of worldsteel membership for the company’s international development: “We look forward to collaborating with other worldsteel members and leveraging the knowledge-sharing opportunities available. As Colombia continues to develop its industrial sector, being part of worldsteel will allow us to be at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in steel production.”
Sean Andre Sy, representing SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation, added, “We are committed to ensuring that our operations are sustainable and efficient. Joining worldsteel gives us the platform to align with best practices from the global steel community, and we are excited about the potential for growth and learning.”
Future Prospects and Collaborative Opportunities
The addition of these members represents a key milestone in the continued development of the steel industry. The increasing number of companies joining worldsteel highlights the growing need for international collaboration to tackle global challenges such as climate change, resource efficiency, and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
With new members coming from both established and emerging markets, worldsteel will continue to be an essential forum for dialogue and cooperation among steel producers worldwide. The shared experiences and collective efforts will help drive the steel sector toward greater sustainability, innovation, and economic resilience.
Bao Khanh Nguyen from VAS Group Nghi Son Joint Stock Company concluded, “Being part of worldsteel aligns with our mission to improve our operations, sustainability practices, and technological capabilities. We look forward to contributing to the global steel community and benefitting from worldsteel’s expertise.”
Key Takeaways:
• New Members Announced: Worldsteel has welcomed five new regular members: AL-ITTEFAQ Steel Products (Saudi Arabia), Daehan Steel (South Korea), Diaco S.A. (Colombia), SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation (Philippines), and VAS Group Nghi Son Joint Stock Company (Vietnam).
• Global Representation: The new members represent key steel producers from various regions, expanding worldsteel’s global network and fostering international collaboration.
• Sustainability Focus: These companies will contribute to sustainability efforts within the steel industry, sharing insights on innovative practices and decarbonization strategies.
• Opportunities for Knowledge Sharing: Membership in worldsteel provides steel producers access to global resources, research, and industry events, facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices.
• Strengthening the Steel Sector: The addition of these new members reflects the expanding influence of steel in emerging economies and highlights the growing importance of steel in global industrial development.
• Global Challenges: The new members will collaborate with other worldsteel members to address pressing global challenges, such as climate change and resource efficiency, within the steel production sector.
Worldsteel’s growing membership reinforces its role as a pivotal organization in shaping the future of the global steel industry, driving innovation, sustainability, and collaboration across borders.
