Türkiye ranked seventh in the world and first in Europe in steel production during the first eight months of 2025, according to the Turkish Steel Association (TCUD). Veysel Yayan, Secretary General of TCUD, stressed that protectionist measures are putting pressure on the Turkish steel industry and that support for domestic production must be strengthened.
“Exporting the Turkish steel industry to the wider geography"
Stressing that the Turkish steel industry exports to a wide geography stretching from Europe to America and from the Middle East to Africa, Mr. Yayan stated that Turkey exports steel to more than 180 countries and occupies a unique position in the global chain supplies. However, he noted that China's share of global steel production, at more than 50 percent, exposes industries in all countries, including Turkey, to global market fluctuations.
Protectionist measures hamper exports
Secretary-General TCUD said U.S. tariffs of up to 50 percent and an EU plan to cut steel import quotas by 47 percent could effectively close off much of the global steel market to outside suppliers. He noted that such a situation will inevitably lead to the fact that large manufacturers, especially from China and other Far Eastern countries, will focus on the Turkish market.
According to TCUD, new measures planned by the European Commission could:
• make free trade almost impossible trade
