Turkey’s steel product exports increased in the first half of 2026, supported by stronger shipments to markets including the Middle East, South America and the UK, according to data from the Turkish Steel Producers Association (TCUD).
In June, steel exports surged 28.4pct YoY to 1.7 mln tons, while export value increased 29.7pct to USD 1.2 bln. During January-June, exports rose 2.5pct YoY to 7.8 mln tons, with export revenue increasing 1.3pct to USD 5.3 bln.
Steel imports declined 0.8pct YoY to 1.8 mln tons in June, although their value increased 3.7pct to USD 1.2 bln. In the first half, imports edged up 0.3pct to 9.3 mln tons, while their value declined 2.4pct to USD 6.3 bln. The export-to-import ratio improved to 83pct from 80pct in the corresponding period last year.
Turkey’s crude steel production increased 14.7pct YoY to 3.3 mln tons in June, reversing the weaker trend seen during the first five months of the year. In January-June, crude steel output rose 8.1pct to 19.8 mln tons.
Finished steel consumption increased marginally by 0.4pct YoY to 3.1 mln tons in June. Consumption during the first half rose 6.6pct to 19.9 mln tons, reflecting continued growth in domestic steel demand.
TCUD Secretary General Veysel Yayan said stronger demand from the Middle East and South America supported the improvement in June. Steel exports to the Middle East increased 80pct YoY to 212,600 tons during the month, while shipments to South America surged 406pct to 182,500 tons.
In the first half, the UK also emerged as a stronger export destination, with shipments increasing 246pct to 407,000 tons, while exports to South America rose 81pct to 643,000 tons. In contrast, exports to the EU declined 22pct to 2.6 mln tons, making it the only regional market to record a decrease during the period.
Looking ahead, Yayan stressed the need for greater access to long-term, cost-effective financing to support investments in higher value-added production, energy efficiency, low-carbon steelmaking and technological modernization. He also called for stronger Eximbank support and more effective trade measures against imports that create unfair competition.