Turkey’s steel industry expects the European Union’s revised steel safeguard measures to reduce the country’s steel exports by around 3.5 mln tons, equivalent to approximately USD 3 bln in export revenue, according to Steel Exporters’ Association (CIB) Chairman Ugur Dalbeler.
The revised safeguard regime, which came into effect on 1 July, reduced the EU’s duty-free steel import quotas by 47pct, while imports exceeding the quotas remain subject to a 50pct safeguard duty.
Dalbeler said the tighter quotas would significantly affect Turkish steel exports to the EU, adding that the industry would need to accelerate efforts to diversify into alternative export markets to offset the expected losses.
He also highlighted rising import pressure in the domestic market, noting that Turkey’s steel imports increased 13.9pct YoY to 32.9 mln tons in 2025, and called for additional measures to protect the local industry.
Commenting on market conditions, Dalbeler said capacity utilization in Turkey’s steel industry has fallen to around 55pct, while weak profitability is expected to continue through 2027, with a meaningful recovery unlikely before 2028.
According to CIB data, Turkey’s steel exports reached USD 16.5 bln in 2025, while exports totaled USD 8.3 bln during the first half of 2026.