Turkey’s finished steel exports rise 6.14% in August

1 October 2026: Turkish finished steel exports increased by 6.14% year-on-year in August, reaching 1.45 million tonnes (Mt). However, shipments during the first eight months of 2026 remained marginally below the previous year, declining 0.74% to 10.97 Mt.

The August increase was supported by stronger shipments to several markets, particularly the United States, Egypt and Yemen. Exports to the United States surged by 954.71% year-on-year to 107 kt, while shipments to Egypt increased 221.21% to 102 kt. Yemen also recorded a sharp rise of 355.90% to 56 kt, following continued demand for long steel products. 

The United Kingdom remained another important growth market, with August shipments rising 23.11% to 80 kt. This follows a significant increase in Turkish steel exports to the UK earlier in 2026. The UK introduced new steel trade measures on 1 July, substantially reducing tariff-free quota volumes. However, a transitional exemption for contracts concluded before 14 March allows certain shipments to enter without the additional duty until 30 September, which may have supported August shipments. 

In contrast, shipments to several traditional European destinations declined due to tigher trade measures. Exports to Italy fell 26.50% to 100 kt, while Romania declined 16.45% to 68 kt and Ukraine fell 36.00% to 56 kt. Spain was an exception, with shipments increasing 20.15% to 81 kt as domestic production remained reduced. The weaker performance across some EU markets coincides with the implementation of the EU's new steel import regime from 1 July.