2026 China Steel Scaffolding Planks: Booming Exports to the Middle East

The Middle Eastern scaffolding equipment market is seeing long-term growth, with an anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6% in sales volume and 4.2% in output value from 2025 to 2035. The market's output value is projected to hit USD 3.8 billion by 2035. Saudi Arabia stands as the core importing country, where ongoing infrastructure projects continue to drive demand for steel scaffolding planks and other scaffolding accessories.

Middle Eastern buyers impose stringent requirements on the safety and corrosion resistance of steel scaffolding planks, with standards directly aligned with European Norms (EN) and British Standards (BS). Suppliers are required to adopt a high-zinc hot-dip galvanizing process, which can extend the corrosion-resistant service life to 2–3 times that of conventional processes. This is tailored to adapt to the harsh local working conditions characterized by large day-night temperature differences and coastal salt spray corrosion.

In 2026, the Saudi SABER certification framework has implemented upgraded control measures. As a construction material, steel scaffolding planks must first obtain a Product Conformity Certificate (PC) before applying for a Shipment Conformity Certificate (SC). Furthermore, the information on the certificates must be consistent with that on the bill of lading and cargo labels, which are mandated to bear the mark MADE IN CHINA. Cargo failing to complete the certification process will be denied customs clearance.

In January 2026, Maersk officially resumed operations on the Middle East Red Sea–Suez Canal route, ending the over-two-year detour. This has significantly shortened the shipping time and reduced logistics costs for steel scaffolding planks. Domestic ports have also launched full-container/less-than-container-load (FCL/LCL) shipping lines directly to key Middle Eastern ports such as Dubai and Damman, with a transit time of approximately 15–25 days.

China remains the core supplier of steel scaffolding planks and other scaffolding equipment to the Middle East. Leveraging the precision advantages of automated production lines, localized process upgrades adapted to regional working conditions, and a product system integrated with EN, ANSI (American National Standards Institute), and AS/NZS (Australian/New Zealand Standards), Chinese suppliers have become the preferred choice for high-end infrastructure projects in the Middle East.