Turkey increased iron ore imports from Ukraine by 51% in January-March

In January-March 2022, Turkish steel plants increased imports of iron ore from Ukraine by 51.4% compared to the same period in 2021, to 235.3 thousand tons, Steel Orbis with reference to the Turkish Statistical Institute reported.

In March, 79.2 thousand tons of Ukrainian iron ore were shipped to Turkey, while in March 2021 this product was not supplied to Turkish consumers at all.

In general, Turkish steelmakers in the first quarter increased imports of iron ore by 0.4% compared to January-March 2021, to 2.51 million tons.

The biggest supplier of iron ore to Turkey is Brazil. Turkish steelmakers in January-March reduced imports of such ore by 33.9% compared to 2021, to 827.3 thousand tons.

Brazil accounts for 33% of total ore imports to Turkey. South Africa holds the second place – 27%. The share of Ukraine is 9%.

Earlier GMK Center reported that in 2021 Turkey increased imports of iron ore from Ukraine almost twice compared to 2020, to 1.18 million tons. Ukraine’s share in total imports is 11%.

Turkey is the seventh largest steel producer in the world. According to the results of 2021, Turkish steel plants increased steel production by 12.7% compared to 2020, to 40 million tons. This is a record result.