Turkey reduced iron ore imports from Ukraine by 24% in January-April

In January-April 2022, Turkish steel plants reduced their imports of iron ore from Ukraine by 23.9% compared to the same period in 2021, to 235.3 thousand tons, Steel Orbis reported citing the Turkish Statistical Institute.

In April, Ukrainian iron ore exports to Turkey halted due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the blockade of ports by Russian troops. At the same time, in March, Turkish companies received 79.2 thousand tons of iron ore, which was shipped before the blockade of ports.

In general, Turkish steelmakers in January-April increased imports of iron ore by 7.3% compared to January-April 2021, to 3.75 million tons.

The biggest supplier of iron ore to Turkey is Brazil. Turkish steelmakers in January-April reduced imports of ore by 2% compared to 2021, to 1.62 million tons.

Brazil accounts for 43% of Turkey’s total ore imports. South Africa holds the second place – 21%.

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