RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has issued a total of 281 licenses to export iron and cement since a ban on the exportation of the commodities was lifted six years ago, the Ministry of Commerce told Al Eqtisadiah. The total amount issued includes 168 iron licenses, the ministry added. From the beginning of 2022 until the end of September, the total number of licenses issued amounted to 30, including 19 to export iron. The ministry reiterated that the issuance of licenses came after the specific conditions and requirements in accordance with the regulatory controls of the ministerial committee were fulfilled. In April 2016, Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on exporting cement and a similar ban on steel. The Saudi government imposed a ban on cement exports in 2008 to push prices down and accommodate demand from large government-funded infrastructure projects.