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. 

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.