Turkish steelmakers to focus on nearby markets – ÇİB

Turkey’s steel sector has changed its growth strategy due to the global market downturn and increased protectionist measures. This was announced by Adnan Aslan, chairman of the board of the Steel Exporters Association (ÇİB).

According to the industry association, steel exports from the country reached 19.43 million tons last year, with a total value of $16.5 billion. The average export price remained at $851/ton.

Adnan Aslan noted that this growth was achieved under difficult market conditions.

«China’s high export volume and global oversupply are driving prices down. In these conditions, growth can only be achieved by focusing on the right markets and using a flexible strategy,» he explained.

Aslan said that in the near future, the steel sector will focus on countries geographically close to Turkey, rather than on foreign and expensive markets, where logistics costs and obstacles in the form of customs duties and quotas are increasing.

«On the other hand, in nearby markets, we have advantages such as fast delivery, flexible production, and strong trade ties,» he said.

EU countries, European markets outside the EU, the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and neighboring countries have been identified as key regions. Deepening our presence in existing markets will be the main strategy.

As for the beginning of the year, Turkish steelmakers started it with a decline in exports, in particular due to the European Cross-Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), but they expect momentum to pick up again, especially in Europe, starting in March-April.

Another pillar of growth in the Turkish steel sector is the creation of value-added products. Long products, particularly rebar, still account for a significant share of the country’s exports. According to Adnan Aslan’s estimates, the share of value-added products (cold-rolled, galvanized, painted rolled products, fasteners, and stainless steel) will grow in the medium and long term. This transformation should take the Turkish steel sector away from direct price competition with low-cost producers such as China and India.

It should be noted that Turkish steel companies increased steel production by 3.3% in 2025 compared to 2024, reaching 38.12 million tons.