According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), Turkey imported a total of approximately 2 million tons of iron ore in the first quarter of this year, a 17% decrease compared to the same period a year earlier. The total value of these imports was around US$229 million, a year-on-year fall of 35%.

Brazil was the largest supplier, providing about 1.4 million tons, a 3.8% decrease from the previous year. It was followed by Sweden’s 331,000 tons and Uzbekistan’s 173,000 tons.

In March alone, Turkey's iron ore imports totaled roughly 951,000 tons, a month-on-month surge of 177% and a year-on-year hike of 11%. The import value also grew, soaring by 206% month on month but falling by 18% year on year to around US$101 million.