Turkish Steelmakers Urge Action to Combat Dumped Imports and Protect Domestic Industry

Rising Dumped Imports Threaten Turkish Steel Capacity Utilization

Turkish steelmakers face growing challenges from dumped imports, especially from China and East Asia. Industry leaders warn these imports, often backed by state subsidies, create unfair competition. This unfair market pressure causes significant underutilization of Turkey’s 60 million-ton steel capacity. According to Veysel Yayan, secretary general of the Turkish Steel Producers Association (TCUD), imports from China have surged tenfold since 2020, forcing delays or cancellations of new investments. As a result, Turkey’s steel sector struggles to maintain sustainable growth amid quality concerns and inconsistent certification from imported products.

Turkish Steelmakers Call for Comprehensive Trade Defense Measures

Executives like Haluk Kayabaşı, CEO of Kibar Holding, emphasize that anti-dumping duties alone cannot protect the industry. They advocate for stronger origin verification, rigorous quality controls, and preferential treatment for local products in public procurement. Moreover, Turkish steelmakers require financial incentives and credit support to stay competitive. Uğur Dalbeler, CEO of Çolakoğlu Metalurji, highlights the urgency, warning that operating below 75% capacity utilization threatens the sector’s survival. Currently, many companies operate below 60%, risking irreversible damage without immediate policy interventions.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Turkey’s steel industry sits at a critical crossroads. Dumped imports from subsidized producers undermine domestic capacity, threatening long-term competitiveness. However, Turkey’s strategic location and industrial base provide strong fundamentals for recovery. The government’s swift implementation of comprehensive trade defense instruments, combined with targeted financial support, can stabilize the sector. This multifaceted approach will help Turkish steelmakers rebuild capacity utilization and protect against unfair trade practices, safeguarding the industry’s future and Turkey’s role in global steel markets.