Asuman Gürsoy,General Secretary of the Association of Cold Rolled, Galvanized and Coated Steel Producers (SOGAD), thanked the officials of the Ministry of Trade who conducted the investigation and stated that the decision represents an important step in identifying the unfair competition faced by the domestic industry. Gürsoy noted that the dumping margins determined for Chinese-origin companies, ranging between 24.85% and 36%, are significant for the sector, while the 10.48%–27% range determined for South Korean products remained below the expectations of the industry.
Gürsoy said:“The existence of dumping practices has clearly been demonstrated. However, the rates determined especially for South Korea are not at a level that will completely eliminate the disruptive impact in the market. Some importing companies believe that these rates will not have a restrictive effect on trade and are shaping their commercial agreements accordingly. South Korean exporters also state that they can easily absorb potential duties. Therefore, the deterrent impact of the determined rates on the market should be carefully monitored.”
“Domestic producers are under serious pressure”
Referring to the current economic conditions in the sector, Gürsoy stated that domestic producers have been under significant pressure recently, adding that imports increased in 2025 while capacity utilization rates declined. According to Gürsoy, imports from South Korea increased by 21% in 2025 compared to 2024, while imports from China increased by 32%. When comparing 2021 and 2025, imports from South Korea increased by 127%, while imports from China increased by 50%.
“Türkiye is an important alternative market for China and South Korea”
Gürsoy also touched upon developments in global trade, noting that China reached the highest steel export levels in its history in 2025, and that increasing trade measures worldwide have made Türkiye an important alternative market for these countries.
“The absence of customs duties due to the Free Trade Agreement with South Korea further strengthens this trend.”
Gürsoy also stated that approximately 27% of Türkiye’s total imports of cold-rolled, galvanized and pre-painted steel in 2025 originated from South Korea, while China accounted for 31%, making it the largest supplier.
“Strong and deterrent implementation of measures is critical”
Finally, Gürsoy emphasized that the damage suffered by the domestic industry has been clearly demonstrated through the findings of the investigation, adding:
“The strong and deterrent implementation of these measures is of critical importance for protecting Türkiye’s production capacity and ensuring the sustainability of investments. We would like to thank our Ministry of Trade for their sensitivity and meticulous work throughout the process.”
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