By: GMK center

In January-October 2025, Turkey increased its steel exports to 16.04 million tons, which is 9.5% more than in the same period of 2024. This is evidenced by data from the Steel Exporters Association.

The largest volume of exports was provided by construction steel – 3.27 million tons, which is 18.1% more y/y, and hot-rolled sheet – 3.26 million tons (+25.8% y/y). Exports of welded pipes amounted to 1.7 million tons (-0.5% y/y), profiles – 1.55 million tons (+3.7% y/y), coated flat products – 1.35 million tons (+1.4% y/y), and wire rod – 900.4 thousand tons (-2.3% y/y).

The geography of exports also underwent significant changes. Romania remained the main market, increasing purchases by 15.1% y/y – to 1.52 million tons. The Italian market received 1.28 million tons of steel (+11% y/y), Morocco – 811,200 tons (2.2 times y/y), Spain – 786,400 tons (33.4% y-o-y), Ukraine – 749 thousand tons (+31.4% y/y), Belgium – 630.96 thousand tons (+2 times y/y).

The foreign trade balance remained mixed throughout the year, with Turkey’s steel imports exceeding exports in most months. The largest gap was recorded in June, when imports reached 2.46 million tons, while exports amounted to 1.72 million tons. Only in September did exports (1.78 million tons) exceed imports (1.88 million tons) by a small margin.

Overall, the growth in shipments in almost all key areas indicates a gradual recovery of the Turkish steel industry and a strengthening of its position in the markets of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

As a reminder, in 2024, Turkey increased its steel exports by 27.6% y/y – to 13.4 million tons. Steel imports at the end of 2024 amounted to 17.4 million tons (+1.7% y/y). Rolled steel consumption in the country last year grew by only 0.6% year-on-year, to 38.3 million tons.