Turkey’s steel exports fell 13.5pct YoY to 2 mln tons in the first two months of 2026, while export revenues declined 15.2pct to USD 1.3 bln, according to the Turkish Steel Producers’ Association (TCUD).
In February alone, exports decreased 8.6pct to 1.1 mln tons, with value down 9.2pct to USD 715 mln.
Steel imports dropped nearly 11pct YoY to 2.7 mln tons in January-February, while import value declined 11.7pct to USD 1.9 bln. However, February imports rose 9pct to 1.5 mln tons, with value up 7.2pct to USD 1 bln.
Turkey’s crude steel production increased 4.7pct YoY to 6.4 mln tons in the first two months, with February output reaching 3 mln tons, up 3.4pct.
Finished steel consumption rose 4.1pct to 6.7 mln tons in January-February, while February demand increased 11.3pct to 3.2 mln tons.
The export-to-import ratio declined to 69.7pct from 72.5pct a year earlier.
TCUD attributed the drop in exports mainly to weaker demand in key markets. Shipments to the EU fell 36pct YoY to 540,500 tons, while exports to the MENA region declined 38pct to 278,700 tons amid geopolitical risks and slower economic activity. Gains in alternative markets such as South America and the CIS were insufficient to offset losses in core destinations.
The association added that while supply chain shifts in Europe may present opportunities, rising geopolitical tensions continue to weigh on global steel trade.
