Balıkçı emphasized that although Türkiye’s total capacity is sufficient to meet domestic demand, the country remains heavily dependent on imports, particularly in specialty steels and flat products.
Speaking at the Metal Expo 2025 conference, where SteelRadar was a media partner, Balıkçı remind that Türkiye came closest to reaching its steel production capacity in 2021, and stated:“According to 2024 data, we achieved 13 million tons of exports, 18.3 million tons of imports, and 36.9 million tons of production. The amount of steel consumed solely in the domestic market was 42.3 million tons. In fact, our country’s capacity is, numerically, sufficient to meet demand. However, in terms of quality and end product diversity, our producers fall short in certain categories. This makes imports inevitable.”
“3.5 Million Tons of Imports Despite High Billet Capacity”
Balıkçı drew attention particularly to Türkiye’s dependence on imports in flat products and slabs, stating:“Despite Türkiye’s high billet production capacity, the country imported 3.5 million tons of semi finished billets in 2024. Production of micro alloyed and alloyed billets remains insufficient, which creates the need for imports. In the coming period, it is critically important that we take steps to improve quality and diversify production in billets.”
“Dependence on Imports in Specialty Steel and Flat Products”
In his presentation, Balıkçı also addressed the product groups in Türkiye whose production tonnage is below desired levels and which are directly met through imports, stating:“Today, Asil Çelik, Çemtaş, and more recently HASÇELİK are producing some of these groups. At Vertra Steel, we will also direct our production targets toward closing these gaps. High value added steel grades are critically important not only in terms of chemical composition but also in strategic semi finished products such as slabs.”
“We Must Stop the Trend Toward Imports”
Balıkçı also highlighted the deterioration in the export–import balance, stating:
“Since 2022, our export-to-import ratio has been declining each year. If this trend is not stopped, we are heading toward a point from which it will be difficult to return. In particular, the discussion and implementation of additional tariffs against China have now become an unavoidable necessity. Competing with Chinese manifacturers is becoming increasingly difficult.”
Solutions: Value-Added Production and New Investments
Balıkçı outlined the steps needed to strengthen Türkiye’s competitiveness as follows:
- Reducing production costs and increasing value-added production,
- Investing in Industry 4.0 and automation, and using lower-cost raw materials such as DRI/HBI instead of scrap,
- Producing higher-quality products through continuous casting and vacuum investments,
- Supporting value-added production with investments in cold rolling, seamless pipes, and wire rod,
- Expanding flat product production investments, particularly for the automotive, white goods, and defense industries,
- Developing capacity in specialty steels (St 52, bor alloyed, micro alloyed).
“The Green Steel Transition Can Not Be Longer Postponed”
Balıkçı also emphasized that the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and other green transition policies are of vital importance for Turkish producers, stating:
“Today, manifacturers such as İsdemir, Erdemir, Çolakoğlu, Kaptan, and Tosyalı are investing in projects to reduce their carbon footprint, generate energy from waste heat, recycle waste, and produce hydrogen-based steel. This strategy has become critical for Turkish companies seeking to export to the European market.”
“Türkiye Could Become a Strategic Production Hub”
Balıkçı concluded his speech with the following remarks:
“Türkiye is located in a highly strategic position geographically. However, to maintain this advantage, we must decrease dependence on imports in specialty and flat steel production, increase value added production, and swiftly embrace the green transition. Otherwise, our competitiveness will weaken further with each passing year.”
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