Anti-dumping duties on flat steel products from China, India, Japan, and Russia, along with high import tariffs, are raising costs for Turkish consumers and contributing to inflation, according to Ali Eren, board member of the Turkish Federation of Mechanical Engineering. Export-oriented sectors that rely heavily on flat steel, such as household appliances, automotive, and shipbuilding, are facing challenges in both production and exports due to these tariffs. These industries represent a significant portion of Turkey’s exports.

Despite ongoing investments in Turkey’s flat products sector, domestic production is struggling to meet the quality, price, and delivery standards required by various industries, leading to continued dependence on imports. Eren noted that Turkey’s steel industry relies heavily on imports for semi-finished and flat products, with local producers prioritizing slab imports over increased steel production. He argued that current high customs duties are straining supply chains and reducing competitiveness, calling for a review of these policies to support domestic manufacturing and recycling initiatives.