Türkiye's crude steel output continued its upward trajectory, reaching 28.1 million tons in the January-September period of 2025, marking a 1% increase compared to the same timeframe last year, according to data released by the Turkish Steel Producers Association (TÇÜD).

The surge was particularly evident in September, when production climbed 7.2% year-on-year to 3.2 million tons, underscoring the sector's resilience amid global headwinds.

TÇÜD Secretary-General Veysel Yayan highlighted Türkiye's standout performance, noting that while global crude steel production fell 1.6% over the same nine months, Türkiye joined India and the United States as one of the few nations to post growth.

"Despite bottlenecks in external markets, Türkiye has boosted its nine-month output by 1%," Yayan said in a statement. "This positions us strongly in the international arena and reflects the effectiveness of domestic incentives and investments."

Steel remains a cornerstone of Türkiye's economy, fueling key industries like construction, automotive, and manufacturing. Over recent years, government-backed incentives have propelled the country into a prominent role on the global stage, with Türkiye maintaining its rank as the world's seventh-largest steel producer and Europe's top producer.

The rise in output aligns with broader efforts to curb import dependency. Turkish steelmakers have intensified lobbying for higher import quotas and protective measures, aiming to bolster local capacity and foster a more sustainable industry. Yayan emphasized that enhancing capacity utilization—currently hovering around 63%—is essential for competing with subsidized giants abroad.

Looking ahead, the data paints an optimistic picture for the sector's growth trajectory. Experts attribute sustained expansion not only to robust production figures but also to rising investor confidence and market stability. As global trade tensions persist, including tariffs from the US and EU, Türkiye's steel industry is poised to capitalize on its competitive edge, with stakeholders closely watching developments for further gains.

The TÇÜD report also noted improvements in trade balances: January-September exports rose 12.1% in volume to 11.4 million tons, while the export-to-import coverage ratio edged up to 78% from 77.8% a year earlier.

Industry leaders remain vigilant, advocating for policies that prioritize high-value-added production and green transformations to secure long-term prosperity. (ILKHA)