Transformation Process in the Iron and Steel Sector: Opportunities and Risks

The Turkish steel sector has entered a period of both intensifying global competition and rapidly changing dynamics in the domestic market.
Data from SteelOrbis, SteelRadar, and other sector monitoring platforms clearly reveal both the opportunities and risks of this transformation.

Positive Developments

Turkey's steel production increased by 9.4% in 2024, reaching 36.9 million tons.
In the first half of 2025, production continued its momentum with an average monthly increase of 6.7%.
Today, Turkey has risen to become the largest steel producer in Europe and the seventh largest in the world.

This picture shows that the sector is effectively utilizing its production capacity and has gained a strong competitive advantage in the global arena.

Challenges and Risks

The global market continues to experience oversupply and low demand pressure. Price volatility is particularly noticeable in the long products (e.g., rebar). Furthermore, dumped imports and state-supported low-price policies threaten the capacity utilization of domestic producers.

The carbon regulations and trade protection measures implemented by the European Union bring about new adaptation processes on the export side. Therefore, it is of great importance for the Turkish steel sector to rapidly complete both its environmental and commercial transformation.

Sectoral Trends

Export Growth: In the first nine months of 2025, Turkey's steel product exports increased by 12.1% in tonnage, reaching 11.4 million tons.

Sustainable Production: The use of recycled scrap and the widespread adoption of electric arc furnace (EAF) technologies stand out in terms of energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction.

Quality-Oriented Production: Quality, reliability, and on-time delivery are at the center of competition in both domestic and international markets.

Conclusion: Strong Production, Strong Future

The Turkish steel sector continues to progress with a balance of "high potential + high competition." As Ekinciler Holding, we also... With our earthquake-resistant steel production, sustainable production approach, and 60 years of experience, we are among the leading actors in this transformation.

While increasing our global competitiveness, we continue to shape the future of the steel world with our environmentally conscious production approach.

🔗 Bibliography

GMK Center – “Turkey increased steel production by 9.4% y/y in 2024”

GMK Center – “Turkey increased steel production by 6.7% month-on-month in August 2025”

Daily Sabah – “Turkey is now Europe's top steel producer, 7th largest worldwide”

SteelOrbis – “Turkish Steel Industry Calls for Urgent Measures Against Dumped Imports”

S&P Global Commodity Insights – “Turkish Rebar Market Set for Growth Opportunities in 2025”

Metal.com News – “2025 Export Report on Turkish Steel Products”

The New Arab – “Scrap Wars: How Child Labor and Conflict Feed Turkey's Steel Boom”