Turkey’s steel exports rose 18pct YoY in the first five months of 2025, reaching 6.3 mln tons, according to the Turkish Steel Producers’ Association (TCUD). Export value also increased by nearly 8pct to USD 4.3 bln. In May alone, exports climbed 21.1pct YoY to 1.4 mln tons, while their value rose 9.2pct to USD 923 mln.
Steel imports during January-May 2025 increased by 6pct YoY to 7.5 mln tons, although their value declined by 5.1pct to USD 5.3 bln. In May, imports surged 24.6pct YoY to 1.9 mln tons, with the value slipping marginally by 0.1pct to USD 1.3 bln.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s crude steel production dropped by 1.4pct YoY in the first five months of the year, totaling 15.4 mln tons. In May, output declined 2.8pct YoY to 3.1 mln tons.
Finished steel consumption also weakened, falling 4.7pct YoY in January-May to 15.5 mln tons. However, consumption showed a modest recovery in May, rising 1.1pct YoY to 3.4 mln tons.
Despite the production dip in May, TCUD noted that Turkey maintained its status as Europe’s largest steel producer and the seventh largest globally, thanks largely to strong export performance.
While exports gained traction, TCUD expressed concern over rising imports, particularly from China and Russia, which have redirected excess supply to Turkey amid weakening domestic demand. Shipments from other Far Eastern countries also contributed to the increase.
The association warned that surging imports, often priced below fair market value, are eroding the benefits of export growth. It called for urgent reforms to the Inward Processing Regime and Free Trade Agreements to curb excessive import volumes and enhance domestic industry utilization.
TCUD also criticized regulatory burdens such as the Rebar Monitoring System and VAT withholding, arguing that these measures restrict financial liquidity and limit operational flexibility. It emphasized that while countries like the US, EU, India, and Mexico have implemented protective mechanisms, Turkey’s lack of similar safeguards is deepening sectoral imbalances.
The association said that without addressing structural inefficiencies and unfair trade practices, the challenges facing the steel industry will have broader implications for the national economy. TCUD underscored the need for strategic reforms to tackle dumped imports, modernize trade agreements, and revitalize export markets to ensure the sector remains competitive.
