The MENA region excluding Iran will require an additional 30-40 million metric tons of direct reduction pellets as direct reduced iron capacity expands from 33 million to 55 million metric tons over the next 2-3 years. This creates anticipated supply shortages until 2030 despite expansion efforts by global suppliers like Brazilian mining company Samarco, which plans to reach 26 million metric tons of pellet production by 2028. Pellet producers face challenges including depleting high-quality iron ore resources, logistics obstacles, licensing complexities, & water supply constraints that impede capacity expansion despite favorable market conditions.