Turkey exported 12.5 mln tons of steel in the first ten months of 2025, up 12.6pct YoY, with export revenues rising 4.1pct to USD 8.5 bln, according to the Turkish Steel Producers’ Association (TCUD). In October, steel exports grew 18.7pct YoY to 1.2 mln tons, while export value increased 8.2pct to USD 785.7 mln.
Over the same period, Turkey’s steel imports climbed 13.8pct YoY to 15.6 mln tons, valued at USD 10.9 bln, up 1.6pct YoY. October imports fell 10.8pct YoY to 1.5 mln tons, with import value dropping 14.1pct to USD 1 bln.
Turkey’s crude steel production reached 31.3 mln tons in January-October, up 1.2pct YoY, with October output rising 3.1pct to 3.2 mln tons. Finished steel consumption increased 2.6pct YoY to 32.2 mln tons in the ten-month period, although October consumption fell 7.2pct YoY to 3.3 mln tons.
TCUD noted that export momentum weakened in Q3, with growth slowing to just 1pct due to shrinking demand in major markets, particularly the EU, and intensifying import pressure from Russia, China, and Far Eastern suppliers. At the same time, steel imports accelerated, rising from 12.4pct in the first half to 27.5pct in Q3.
The association said the Turkish steel sector continues to face competitive challenges both at home and abroad. In October, exports increased while imports contracted, partly due to lower consumption. Despite strong housing sales, rebar demand remained weak as most transactions involved second-hand homes. Long steel consumption dropped 8.9pct in October, while flat steel consumption held almost steady, down only 0.1pct, supported by recovery in segments such as automotive.
TCUD added that although declining inflation and interest rates have not yet translated into lower loan costs, a gradual recovery in domestic demand is expected in the remaining months of the year. Despite ongoing issues with the EU, the association projects a more significant improvement in sector indicators in 2026
