Organized by SteelRadar and held for the second time this year, Steel Summit 2026 opened to strong interest from the industry. The three-day event brought together numerous industry representatives from 25 countries around the world.
Beginning with the opening session, the summit addresses a wide range of critical topics, from trade policies and green transformation to raw material markets and other key issues shaping the future of the industry. Bringing together various stakeholders of the sector, the summit serves as a platform for important discussions on the global transformation of the steel industry.
Highlighting the strong international interest in this year’s event, Öztüre said, “We have guests from many countries this year. We are hosting a large number of participants from 25 countries, including Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Algeria, Switzerland, and Belgium. We are very pleased with this turnout.”
Öztüre also noted that the motto of this year’s summit was defined as “friendship,” emphasizing that relationships built over the years in the iron and steel sector are based not only on trade but also on strong human bonds. Recalling individuals he has met throughout his career who hold an important place in his life, Öztüre stated that these connections play a significant role in the development of the industry.
Referring to recent developments in the Turkish steel industry, Öztüre noted that the sector is undergoing a significant transformation amid both global competition and changing economic conditions. He added that such events bring stakeholders together, enhance knowledge sharing, and strengthen cooperation within the industry.
At the end of his speech, Öztüre thanked all participants and also expressed his appreciation to those who contributed to the organization of the summit.
Öztüre also congratulated Uğur Dalbeler, who attended the summit and was elected President of the Steel Exporters’ Association, and invited him to the stage.
At the opening, Feyyaz Yazar, Executive Board Member of İzmir Demir Çelik (İDÇ) and Platinum + Lanyard Sponsor of the conference, also addressed the participants.
Yazar emphasized the importance of the event and shared insights on İzmir Demir Çelik’s initial public offering (IPO) process, stating that the number of publicly listed companies would rise to three.
He also provided an assessment of the Turkish steel industry, noting growth on the production side and stating that crude steel production increased from approximately 36.8 million tons to 38 million tons. However, he pointed out that capacity utilization rates remained largely unchanged, at around 60%, compared to 61% the previous year.
Addressing global developments, Yazar said that global crude steel production declined by approximately 2% in 2025. He noted that Türkiye ranks among the top countries in semi-finished product imports, which increased from 7.9 million tons to 8.4 million tons, marking a 6.3% rise. In the first quarter of 2026, imports rose from 1.8 million tons to 1.9 million tons, an increase of about 5%.
Stressing that the sector is facing challenges both domestically and internationally due to various regulations and economic conditions, Yazar nevertheless emphasized that the Turkish steel industry has the knowledge, experience, and value-added production capacity to overcome these difficulties.
He also noted that measures to reduce import-related pressures could be considered, highlighting the importance of steps to increase capacity utilization rates.
Concluding his speech by underlining the importance of cooperation among industry stakeholders, Yazar thanked everyone involved in organizing the event.
Following the opening speeches, Öztüre presented a commemorative plaque to Feyyaz Yazar in appreciation of his contributions.
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