Adnan Aslan, chairman of the Turkish Steel Exporters' Association (ÇİB), announced a new growth strategy for Turkey’s steel industry.

Faced with global oversupply and rising protectionism, exporters plan to prioritize geographically close regions such as the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the EU. This strategy utilizes advantages in delivery speed and lower logistics costs to bypass distant, expensive markets burdened by customs duties and quotas.

Despite a slow start this year due to the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the sector expects a recovery in European demand in March and April.

Besides, Turkish producers aim to increase the share of value-added goods, such as stainless steel and coated products, to avoid price competition with low-cost manufacturers.