Ukraine remains among the top five suppliers of agricultural products to Turkey

Ukrainian ore supplies have fallen by more than half, but the country remains among key partners

In January-October 2025, Ukraine retained its position among the top five suppliers of iron ore to Turkey, despite a significant reduction in shipments. Over 10 months, Turkish companies imported 487,900 tons of Ukrainian iron ore, which is more than twice less than in the same period of 2024, when volumes exceeded 1.09 million tons. This was reported by SteelOrbis with reference to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK).

In total, Turkey imported 809,700 tons of iron ore in October 2025, which is 17% less than in September, but 20.5% more on an annualized basis. The cost of imported raw materials decreased to $80.96 million, which is 19.5% month-on-month and 14.6% higher year-on-year. In January-October, imports of raw materials amounted to 8.37 million tons, which is 5% less year-on-year, while the cost of purchases decreased by almost 20% year-on-year.

Brazil remains the leader in supplies, sending 5.49 million tons of ore to the Turkish market, increasing volumes by 16.9% y/y. Sweden took second place with 660,700 tons (-33.3% y-o-y), and Uzbekistan took third place, shipping 593,500 tons (-12.4% y-o-y).

At the same time, Russia increased its exports by 44.4% y/y – to 555.5 thousand tons, while South Africa sharply reduced its exports by 80.5% y/y (167.65 thousand tons). Romania also showed growth, increasing its supplies by more than two times, although its share is still insignificant (8.37 thousand tons). Among the new exporters are Australia (166.09 thousand tons), Norway (165.29 thousand tons), and Uruguay (79.53 thousand tons).

As reported by GMK Center, in 2024, Turkish steel companies imported 1.09 million tons of iron ore from Ukraine, compared to 581.56 thousand tons in 2023 (+88.2% y/y). Overall, Turkey increased its iron ore imports by 12.6% y/y – to 10.01 million tons, with spending on iron ore rising by 8.7% y/y – to $1.21 billion.