Turkey’s stainless steel producer Posco Assan, a joint venture between Posco and Kibar Holding, has reiterated the need for protective measures in response to rising low-priced imports that industry representatives say are distorting market conditions and undermining domestic production.
The company noted that stainless steel has become increasingly affected by dumped imports from Asia, particularly China and Indonesia. These inflows, often offered below cost, have weakened the competitive position and investment capacity of Turkey’s local producers. Imports currently meet about 80pct of Turkey’s cold-rolled stainless steel demand, despite domestic producers having the ability to supply roughly 70pct of the market.
Kibar Holding CEO Haluk Kayabasi said the sector requires a fair competitive environment and that global shifts toward protective tax policies underline the need for similar measures in Turkey. He stressed that existing production meets only one-third of domestic demand and that removing the pressure created by dumped prices is essential for sustainable industry growth and reducing external dependence. Kayabasi added that the company has approached the Ministry of Trade regarding unfair competition concerns.
Posco Assan CEO Ji Seob Choi echoed these points, noting that many global markets, including the EU and U.S., already impose significant duties on stainless steel imports from China and Indonesia. He said similar action in Turkey would allow domestic producers to expand output, increase capacity utilization, attract new investment, and create additional employment, while maintaining competition on equal terms.
Founded in 2011, Posco Assan is Turkey’s only stainless cold-rolling mill, operating with an annual capacity of 300,000 tons.
