The Market Talks event, organized by SteelOrbis at the Swissôtel The Bosphorus in Istanbul on 18 June 2026, brought together the sector with a record attendance of over 750 participants. Erdemir was the supporting company of the organization, while the sponsors were Ayba Makina, Seçkin Metal, Yatırım Finansman, Davutoğlu Metal, Nea Metal, Soybaş Demir Çelik, Yametaş and Zey Demir. The meeting discussed the changing dynamics of the global steel trade, new EU protective measures, energy and logistics costs, the demand path for flat steel in Turkey, financial pressures and expectations for the second half of 2026.
Giving the opening speech, OYAK Mining Metallurgy Sales and Marketing Director Tolga Kocer said that since the pandemic, the steel industry has been grappling with high volatility, supply chain issues and geopolitical crises. Noting that issues such as quotas, carbon taxes, oversupply and incentives for domestic products continue to shape the direction of the industry, Kocher emphasized that protectionism is no longer implemented through individual measures, but through simultaneous and multi-level policies.
Kocher also addressed the strategic importance of steel, saying that commodity and energy security are becoming increasingly critical for the steel industry. He said that Turkey's advanced level of steel production is one of the key elements
