According to the Turkish Steel Producers’ Association (TCUD), Turkey’s steel exports rose by 18.5pct YoY in Q1 2025, reaching 3.8 mln tons. Export value also saw a modest increase of 8.4pct, totaling USD 2.6 bln. In March alone, exports surged 31.3pct YoY to 1.5 mln tons, with their value rising 18.6pct to USD 1 bln.
On the import side, steel imports grew 4.6pct YoY in Q1 to 4.2 mln tons, while their value declined by 4.2pct to USD 3 bln. However, in March, imports dropped sharply, falling 23.6pct YoY to 1.2 mln tons, with the value down 24.5pct to USD 885.5 mln.
Turkey’s crude steel production declined by 3.4pct YoY in Q1, totaling 9.3 mln tons. This downward trend continued in March, with a 2.8pct drop to 3.1 mln tons.
Domestic consumption of finished steel also fell, decreasing by 7.3pct YoY to 9.1 mln tons in the first quarter. The March figure showed a more significant contraction, with demand plummeting 23.2pct to 2.6 mln tons. TCUD attributed this decline to weakened industrial production.
TCUD highlighted that steel exports to the U.S. have nearly come to a standstill, with only 38,000 tons exported in Q1. In response, the Turkish steel sector is actively exploring alternative markets, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East.
During the same period, Russia emerged as Turkey’s largest steel supplier, with imports soaring 59pct to 923,400 tons. Imports from Far Eastern countries also rose sharply to 2.2 mln tons, while Turkish exports to the region remained minimal at just 30,000 tons.
TCUD expressed serious concern regarding potential scrap export restrictions under the EU’s Steel and Metal Action Plan. As the world’s largest scrap importer, Turkey could face significant challenges. TCUD urged the industry to seek alternative scrap sources and implement measures to boost domestic scrap collection and processing.
The association also warned that unless Turkey adopts protective trade policies similar to those in the EU and U.S., the steel sector may struggle to cope with structural threats. With imports expected to continue rising and tight monetary policies likely to slow consumption growth, TCUD believes the initial optimism for 2025 is giving way to a more cautious outlook.