Turkish steelmakers expect steel production in the country to grow by 7% in 2026

Turkish steel producers expect steel production and consumption in the country to grow by about 7% in 2026, exceeding 40 million tons. This was stated by Veysel Yayin, secretary general of the Turkish Steel Producers Association (TCUD), commenting on the annual results of the steel industry, Anadolu Ajansı reports.

According to him, last year was an extremely difficult period for the Turkish steel industry. Rising financing costs, as well as dumping and subsidized global price pressure, especially from Far Eastern countries such as Russia and China, put a strain on producers’ costs.

However, despite a decline in production in the first half of the year, Turkey’s steel sector managed to increase its output in the fourth quarter. Steel consumption in the country, which also declined in the first half of 2025, rose to 39.3 million tons by the end of the year, reaching a historic high.

Yayan said that the EU’s efforts to tighten quotas, as well as the free trade agreement signed with India, the world’s second-largest steel producer, are increasing pressure on Turkish exports.

The TCUD secretary general also highlighted the importance of the European Cross-Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) coming into force.

“In 2026, we will enter a period where competition will also be shaped by a sustainable development approach that covers the entire product life cycle. Factors such as the accuracy of emissions data, product traceability, recyclability, and energy efficiency will be decisive for access to the EU market,” he said.

Yayan added that under such conditions, it is extremely important for the Turkish steel sector to strengthen its sustainability performance not only in terms of production, but also in terms of its methods and products.

According to TCUD data, steel exports from Turkey grew by 12.5% year-on-year – to 15.1 million tons last year. Imports of steel products also grew last year, by 8.6% year-on-year, to a record 18.9 million tons. Russia and China remained the main sources of supply.

Last year, Turkish steel enterprises increased steel production by 3.3% compared to 2024, to 38.12 million tons.