Turkey’s steel exports rose during the period from January to October 2025 to reach 16.04 million tons, an increase of 9.5% compared to the same period in 2024, according to data from the Steel Exporters Association.
Rebar topped the sector’s export list with a total of 3.27 million tons, recording annual growth of 18.1%. Hot-rolled coil exports reached 3.26 million tons, up 25.8% year-on-year. Exports of welded pipes amounted to 1.7 million tons (-0.5% y/y), sections reached 1.55 million tons (+3.7%), coated flat products 1.35 million tons (+1.4%), while wire rod exports declined to 900.4 thousand tons (-2.3%).
The export map also saw notable shifts during the period. Romania remained the largest market for Turkish steel, increasing its imports by 15.1% to 1.52 million tons. Italy received 1.28 million tons (+11% y/y), Morocco 811.2 thousand tons—more than double year-on-year—Spain 786.4 thousand tons (+33.4%), Ukraine 749 thousand tons (+31.4%), and Belgium 630.96 thousand tons, more than double compared to last year.
The foreign trade balance in the sector remained volatile throughout the year, as Turkey’s steel imports exceeded its exports in most months. The widest gap was recorded in June, when imports reached 2.46 million tons compared with 1.72 million tons of exports. September was the only month in which exports (1.78 million tons) came close to imports (1.88 million tons), with a slight difference.
Overall, the growth across most export categories reflects a gradual recovery in the Turkish steel industry and a strengthened presence in the markets of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
