Turkey’s steel imports declined sharply in May 2026 as domestic demand softened, while crude steel production continued to increase, according to data released by the Turkish Steel Producers’ Association (TCUD).
Steel imports fell 16.4pct YoY to 1.6 mln tons in May, while import value dropped 18.2pct to USD 1 bln. During the January-May period, imports edged up 0.5pct to 7.5 mln tons, although their value declined 3.7pct YoY to USD 5.1 bln.
Domestic finished steel consumption also weakened, declining 1.1pct YoY to 3.4 mln tons in May. Despite the monthly decline, consumption during the first five months of the year increased 7.5pct to 16.7 mln tons.
Turkey’s crude steel production, however, rose 8.9pct YoY to 3.4 mln tons in May. During the January-May period, production increased 6.8pct from the same period last year to 16.5 mln tons.
Steel exports totaled 1.3 mln tons in May, down 0.2pct YoY, while export value declined 0.6pct to USD 914.8 mln. During the first five months of 2026, exports fell 2.9pct to 6.1 mln tons, with export revenue decreasing 4.7pct to USD 4.1 bln.
As a result, the sector’s export-to-import coverage ratio slipped to 79.9pct during January-May from 80.8pct in the corresponding period of 2025.
Commenting on market developments, TCUD Secretary General Veysel Yayan said imports of Chinese steel products have not declined as expected despite trade measures imposed on Chinese-origin steel, while imports from Russia and ASEAN countries have continued to increase.
Regarding the European Union’s new steel import regime, Yayan said its impact on Turkish steel exports may be more limited than initially anticipated. He noted that Turkey has been allocated country-specific quotas totaling approximately 2.86 mln tons, representing 15.6pct of the EU’s total quota volume. Including shipments under the quota reserved for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners, Turkey’s annual steel exports to the EU could exceed 3 mln tons.
Yayan also stressed the need to strengthen support for domestic steel production, accelerate measures against unfair imports and reinforce Turkey’s foreign trade balance amid growing protectionist trends in global steel markets.