Turkey’s steel product exports remained firm in the first seven months of 2026, while domestic finished steel consumption declined in July, according to data from the Turkish Steel Producers Association (TCUD).
In July, steel exports increased 2.9pct YoY to 1.2 mln tons, while export value rose 4.4pct to USD 827.3 mln. During January-July, exports increased 2.4pct YoY to 9 mln tons, with export revenue rising 1.6pct to USD 6.1 bln.
Steel imports fell 19.7pct YoY to 1.5 mln tons in July, while their value declined 17.6pct to USD 1.1 bln. In the first seven months, imports decreased 3pct YoY to 10.7 mln tons, with import value falling 4.9pct to USD 7.4 bln. The export-to-import ratio improved to 82.1pct from 76.9pct in the corresponding period last year.
Turkey’s crude steel production increased 7pct YoY to 3.4 mln tons in July. During January-July, crude steel output rose 7.9pct YoY to 23.2 mln tons, indicating continued improvement in production performance.
Finished steel consumption, however, declined 5.1pct YoY to 3.5 mln tons in July. Despite the monthly decline, consumption during January-July increased 4.7pct YoY to 23.3 mln tons.
TCUD Secretary General Veysel Yayan said the increase in production showed that the Turkish steel sector had strengthened its performance during the first seven months. He noted that exports to South America increased 85pct YoY to 762,000 tons, supporting overall export growth.
However, Yayan warned that the impact of the EU quota system has yet to be fully reflected and could lead to an estimated 4 mln-ton contraction in Turkey’s exports to the EU. He also noted that Chinese-origin steel imports continued to increase, reaching around 2.5 mln tons during the first seven months.
Yayan called for safeguarding measures against imports, similar to those implemented by the EU, US, Mexico and Canada, arguing that such measures would support domestic production, capacity utilization, economic growth and employment.