Türkiye tops Europe in steel production

Türkiye has emerged as Europe’s largest steel producer and the world’s seventh largest in the first eight months of 2025, producing 36.9 million tonnes last year, according to sector officials.

Veysel Yayan, Secretary-General of the Türkiye Steel Producers’ Association (TCUD), highlighted that steel remains a vital raw material for construction, automotive, energy, and machinery sectors. Its durability, recyclability, and broad applications make it strategically important for the global economy.

Yayan noted that steel production is not only an indicator of industrialisation but also a symbol of national economic strength, with the sector playing a key role in renewable energy and infrastructure projects.

Global ranking and trade shifts

According to the World Steel Association, China led global crude steel output last year with 1 billion tonnes, followed by India (149 million tonnes), Japan (84 million tonnes), the U.S. (79.5 million tonnes), Russia (71 million tonnes), South Korea (63.6 million tonnes), and Türkiye (39.6 million tonnes).

Yayan said Türkiye exports steel to over 180 countries, holding a strategic position in the global supply chain. “Last year Türkiye was eighth globally and seventh in Europe, but in the first eight months of 2025 it has risen to seventh worldwide and first in Europe,” he said.

He added that fluctuations in China’s market and protectionist measures, particularly those under former U.S. President Trump, have reshaped global trade flows, potentially affecting Türkiye’s sales in Europe and long-term investment plans.

Resilience and green transformation

Yayan stressed that Türkiye’s steel sector continues to maintain competitiveness, diversify markets, and advance green transformation investments.

He highlighted that a strong steel industry underpins economic growth and national security, while reliance on foreign producers increases supply risks in key sectors.

“Investments in special-grade steel for the automotive, defence, energy, and shipbuilding sectors are accelerating, boosting production volume, product diversity, and global competitiveness,” he added.

Yayan noted that domestic demand can be met with current capacity, though utilisation is relatively low at 63%, and called for policies to reduce import dependence, support local production, lower energy costs, and finance environmental investments to strengthen Türkiye’s steel industry further.

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