The third edition of the Istanbul Market Talks, a tradition sponsored by Erdemir and organized in collaboration with SteelOrbis, was held with the participation of over 750 professionals from the steel and related sectors.

In his opening speech, Tolga Koçer, Director of Marketing and Sales Distribution Channels and Long Products at OYAK Mining Metallurgy, presented Erdemir's activities and highlighted the challenging period the world and Turkish economies and the steel sector are going through. Koçer stated that geopolitical developments on a global scale, changes in trade flows, and demand fluctuations directly affect the sector.

Protectionism strengthens in the steel sector

In his speech, Koçer stated that expectations were high that one of the sector's most challenging periods would be over by the end of 2025, but new global developments in 2026 reshaped the economic outlook. Evaluating the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran as a promising development, Koçer noted that markets quickly bought into positive news.

However, Koçer emphasized that protectionist tendencies are strengthening in the steel sector, with carbon taxes and quotas being implemented simultaneously. He underlined that the steel sector is considered among strategic sectors. Stating that disruptions in global supply chains have increased the importance of domestic production, Koçer noted that steel plays a critical role not only for industrial production but also for the defense industry and strategic sectors.

Energy and carbon regulations are transforming the sector

Speaking in the first session, Erkut Yılmaz, Director of Marketing and Sales for Pipes, Profiles and Rolling Mills at OYAK Mining Metallurgy, stated that developments and price movements in energy markets are being closely monitored, and that energy costs are crucial for the competitiveness of the steel sector.

Yılmaz noted that they utilize the flexibility they possess through their integrated production model, extending from iron ore to the final product, to the benefit of Turkish industry. He added that energy and carbon regulations implemented globally, particularly in Europe, are transforming the sector, and that investments are continuing to adapt to this transformation.

In the second session, Sevi Koçak, Marketing Manager at OYAK Mining Metallurgy, stated that 2026 indicates a cautious recovery process. Koçak noted that geopolitical risks and uncertainties continue globally, and emphasized that increasing competitive pressure is one of the most important issues for the sector.

She stressed the critical importance of efficiency in an environment where import pressure is strongly felt, and highlighted the necessity of effectively utilizing existing production capacity and focusing on high value-added areas in capacity planning.

During the sessions held as part of the event, industry experts evaluated developments in global steel markets, price movements, and regional supply and demand dynamics.

The Istanbul Market Talks, featuring speakers from leading steel companies sharing their expectations and assessments of the sector, continues to be an important platform for strengthening information sharing and interaction among industry stakeholders through the collaboration of Erdemir and SteelOrbis, and will continue to bring the steel industry together.