Turkey’s Steel Exporters’ Association (CIB) Chairman, Adnan Aslan, stated that Turkey could export up to 2 mln tons of steel to Syria as post-war reconstruction boosts demand. Currently, shipments remain at 200,000 tons, but exports could reach 750,000 tons in the second half of the year if regional conditions stabilize.
In 2024, Turkey’s top five steel export destinations were Romania, Italy, Yemen, Ukraine, and Iraq. Looking ahead to 2025, Aslan noted a growing focus on North Africa, West Africa, and South America. He highlighted Turkey’s advantage in Africa, where weak banking systems prevent local traders from opening letters of credit, allowing Turkish and European traders to sell on open account terms, something China struggles with.
Aslan also suggested that steel exports to Israel and Palestine could resume after June, while interest in South America remains strong. On the domestic front, major steel consumers include high-speed rail projects and the government’s social housing initiative, which requires 6 mln tons of steel for 600,000 housing units.
