Steel exports lose momentum in Sept; imports record steeper decline - TCUD

Turkey's steel exports increased during the first nine months of 2026, while imports declined, improving the export-to-import ratio, according to data from the Turkish Steel Producers Association (TCUD).

Steel exports decreased 6.4pct YoY to 1.3 mln tons in September, although export value increased 0.8pct to USD 902.6 mln. During January-September, exports increased 1.9pct YoY to 11.6 mln tons, with export value rising 2.6pct to USD 7.9 bln.

Steel imports fell 22.3pct YoY to 1.2 mln tons in September, while their value declined 12.8pct to USD 908.4 mln. In the first nine months, imports decreased 5.7pct YoY to 13.3 mln tons, with import value falling 5.3pct to USD 9.4 bln.

The export-to-import ratio improved to 84.4pct in January-September, compared with 77.9pct in the corresponding period last year.

Finished steel consumption declined 6.9pct YoY to 2.9 mln tons in September. However, during January-September, consumption increased 2.2pct YoY to 29.5 mln tons.

Turkey's crude steel production increased 0.8pct YoY to 3.2 mln tons in September. During the first nine months, crude steel output rose 6.1pct YoY to 29.8 mln tons.

TCUD Secretary General Veysel Yayan said steel exports to the EU declined 23pct due to the impact of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and quota restrictions, falling to 3.7 mln tons. Although exports to alternative markets such as the US, the UK and Latin America have increased, these gains are not expected to offset the decline in EU shipments in the short term.

Yayan highlighted the need to increase the share of higher value-added products in exports, accelerate investment in low-carbon steel production and limit price pressure from dumped and state-subsidized imports in the domestic market to maintain the sector's competitiveness.