The METAL EXPO Istanbul conference, partnered by SteelRadar, commenced following the opening speeches. On the first day of the conference, sessions were held under the theme “New Dynamics of Global Competition and Strategies of Turkish Steel Producers.”
In his presentation on the first day of the conference, Kaan Özülü stated that global crude steel production reached 934 million tons in the first half of 2025, with total production expected to reach around 1.85 billion tons by year end. He emphasized that the center of gravity of global steel production remains in Asia, while Europe and the Americas continue to show a stagnant trend. Despite the slowdown in China’s production, the rising output of India and other Asian countries is reinforcing the region’s leadership.
Emphasizing that Asia has the highest capacity utilization rate at 84%, Özülü stated that Oceania stands at 80%, the European Union at 62%, the CIS at 58%, North America at 65%, and the Middle East in the 42–48% range. Africa, he added, remains between 28–32%, with its production capacity not yet fully activated.Özülü stated that in 2025, global capacity utilization rates are expected to fluctuate between 58–62%, with Asia maintaining its leadership thanks to its high production capacity. He added that in Europe and North America, energy costs and competitive pressures will limit efficiency gains, while the Middle East could boost its potential through infrastructure investments, and Africa’s rise from low levels will take time.
Performance of the Turkish Steel Industry
In the first quarter of 2025, Turkey’s steel sector saw exports increase by 18.5% in volume to 3.8 million tons, and by 8.4% in value to USD 2.6 billion. Özülü stated that this development provided strategic flexibility between production and foreign trade. Domestic demand, meanwhile, showed only limited recovery, recording an annual increase of 8.8%, though quarterly consumption declined.
Özülü stated that scrap prices have remained stable in the range of $340–350 per ton, while steel sales prices stand at $540–550 per ton, emphasizing that energy and raw material costs pose a sensitivity for producers. He stated that Türkiye’s total crude steel production in 2025 is expected to be around 35.5–36.3 million tons, with the long products segment at approximately 25.8–26.5 million tons. Özülü highlighted that the sector’s strategic priorities include increasing domestic scrap supply, diversifying export markets, improving energy efficiency, and balancing capacity utilization through EAF technologies.
Capacity Utilization Rates and Performance
Kaan Özülü stated that global steel industry capacity utilization rates remained stable in the 74–76% range during the 2020–2025 period, while Türkiye showed a more fluctuating trend. He emphasized that capacity utilization in Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) stabilized at around 55%, whereas Basic Oxygen Furnaces (BOF) declined to 80%. In flat steel production, slab utilization rates dropped to 52%, while billet utilization stabilized in the 50–51% range.
Scrap and Billet Market
Özülü stated that Türkiye’s scrap imports are largely sourced from Europe, totaling 4.97 million tons, while 1.72 million tons were imported from the United States. He stated that crude steel production reached 2.9 million tons in June 2025. While scrap prices have remained stable, billet prices continue to fluctuate due to geopolitical risks and oversupply.He stated that Morocco stands out as the strongest market for Turkey’s billet exports, with Romania and Germany providing steady contributions, while exports to Syria have seen a notable increase. Özülü emphasized that in the second half of 2025, total billet exports are expected to reach the 450,000–500,000 ton range.
Rebar Exports and Port Shipments
Özülü stated that Türkiye’s rebar exports are expected to reach 2 million tons in the first half of 2025, emphasizing that demand in Europe and nearby regions has remained strong. He stated that the ports of Izmir, Iskenderun, Çanakkale, and Kocaeli accounted for 80% of total exports.
He stated that Yemen will continue to be the largest market, while Romania, Albania, Northern Cyprus, Kosovo, Georgia, and the United Kingdom are expected to show strong growth, strengthening Türkiye’s position in the European market. By 2026, total exports are projected to approach the 5–5.5 million ton range.
Kaan Özülü emphasized that for Türkiye’s steel industry to move up the global value chain, strategic priorities should include increasing the production of alloyed and specialty steels, investing in energy efficiency and the integration of renewable resources, adopting carbon emission reducing technologies, aligning with EU regulations to secure lasting advantages in exports, and reducing dependence on Europe by turning to emerging markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.He concluded his presentation by stating: “With strategic export and production planning, Türkiye’s steel industry will increase to a higher position in the global value chain.”
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