Turkish Steel Sector Closes 2025 with Growth: New Focus on Nearby Markets and Value-Added Products

2025 Export Performance and Global Pressures The Turkish steel sector concluded 2025 with an export volume of 19.432 million tons and a total export value of $16.5 billion.
During this period, where the average export price per ton was $851, the sector recorded growth in terms of tonnage.
However, global oversupply and price pressures have prompted industry representatives to develop new strategies.
Strategic Transformation: Growth Focused on Nearby Geographies With China's high export volumes and global oversupply driving prices down, the Turkish steel sector has updated its growth strategy.
Industry representatives stated that instead of costly and distant markets, the focus will shift to regions geographically close to Turkey.
In this context, European Union (AB) countries, the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and neighboring countries have been identified as priority target markets.
Regional Cooperation and Logistical Advantages It was emphasized that sectoral activities carried out in countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Azerbaijan contribute directly to exports, with the goal of increasing market share in these regions.
Effective use of logistical advantages and meeting regional demand play a critical role in maintaining the sector's competitiveness.
Green Transition and 2026 Expectations Uncertainties regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are cited as one of the primary reasons for the stagnation observed in the European market.
Although 2026 began with a decline in exports due to this uncertainty, the sector is expected to regain momentum as the process becomes clearer.
The sector's primary goal is to strengthen its position in global competition by increasing the export of value-added products and adapting to the green transition process.