Turkey Reduced Scrap Imports by 5.8% in 1H2025

Decline in Turkey’s Scrap Imports Reflects Changing Market Conditions

Turkey reduced ferrous scrap imports by 5.8% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, importing 9.38 million tons. Spending on raw material imports also dropped by 16.2%, totaling $3.56 billion. The United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom remain Turkey’s primary scrap suppliers, with the US showing an 18.8% decline and the Netherlands rising by 14.5%.

In June 2025, scrap imports fell 8.7% compared to June 2024 and 24.2% month-on-month, reaching 1.21 million tons. Import costs decreased 16.7% year-on-year and 27.6% month-on-month, down to $455.28 million. Despite the overall decline, some suppliers like the Netherlands and Poland saw significant increases in shipments to Turkey.

Turkey’s Steel Production and Import Trends Amid Market Shifts

Turkey ranks eighth globally in steel production, with output rising 9.4% to 36.89 million tons in 2024. That year, scrap imports increased by 6.7% to 20.09 million tons, driven by stronger demand. Key suppliers included the US, Netherlands, UK, Lithuania, and Belgium. However, 2025 trends show reduced import volumes and shifting supplier dynamics, reflecting global trade and pricing pressures.

Turkey’s import adjustments signal strategic sourcing moves amid fluctuating global scrap markets. The market continues to balance cost control and supply reliability to sustain its expanding steel industry.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Turkey’s reduction in scrap imports highlights ongoing volatility in global raw material flows. The country’s steel sector must navigate tariff impacts, supply chain shifts, and price fluctuations carefully. Turkey’s reliance on diversified suppliers, including the US and EU nations, suggests efforts to balance geopolitical risk and cost efficiency. Stakeholders should monitor how import patterns evolve alongside Turkey’s rising steel output and global scrap market trends.