Erdemir, Türkiye’s global steel powerhouse, continued its “Market Talks” series—organized in collaboration with SteelOrbis—by bringing together industry representatives and business partners in Bursa, following its previous meeting in Istanbul. The event addressed geopolitical developments, the overall outlook of the iron and steel sector amid increasing global uncertainties, structural challenges, and strategic priorities for the future.

The event hosted over 650 participants, primarily from steel-intensive sectors such as automotive and its sub-industries in Bursa and surrounding provinces. The opening speech was delivered by Serdar Başoğlu, Member of the Board and Executive Director of Erdemir and İsdemir. Başoğlu emphasized that the current period should be viewed not only through its challenges but also as a multidimensional process testing the sector’s resilience and transformation capabilities.

Highlighting the impact of rising geopolitical risks, disruptions in trade flows, and supply chain breakdowns, Başoğlu noted that raw material and energy security have become strategic priorities in this new era.

Referring to Türkiye’s dependence on imports for steel raw materials, Başoğlu stated:

“Security in steel production is the foundation of industrial output. A strong and domestic production infrastructure is a strategic assurance not only for our sector but for the entire industrial ecosystem. As Erdemir and İsdemir, our goal is clear: we have no alternative but to grow stronger for our country and our sector. We have overcome many challenges over the years and have succeeded in becoming the backbone of our nation. Today, we continue on this path with the same determination. When necessary, we will not only take steps—we will run together with our customers, develop solutions, and continue contributing to the national economy.”

Başoğlu also emphasized that through mining investments, they aim to enhance supply security, reduce external dependency, and increase localization rates.

Addressing structural challenges in the sector, Başoğlu pointed out that the imbalance between rising global overcapacity and declining demand has increased pressure on the industry. He noted that aggressive export policies disrupt competitive balance and have significant impacts on both domestic and export markets. He further highlighted that the steel sector is not only an area of production but also a strategic element of global security. Trade policy measures implemented in Türkiye, he added, have delivered important gains in strengthening domestic production and maintaining market balance.

Erdemir Continues to Be a Reliable Partner in the Automotive Industry

Speaking at the session titled “Recent Developments in the Steel Sector and Their Impact on Automotive,” Kadir Şahin, Marketing and Sales Director of Erdemir and İsdemir, stated that the widespread adoption of electric vehicles is driving a fundamental transformation in steel demand within the automotive sector.

“With the rise of electric vehicles, expectations in the automotive sector are being reshaped. As a producer that not only follows but leads this transformation, we are strengthening our leadership. We are developing lighter, high-strength, and advanced-grade steels; we are continuing our investments in line with our 2050 net zero emission target; and we are transforming our production infrastructure accordingly. We are meticulously preparing for the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and actively supporting our customers in their compliance processes,” Şahin said.

Şahin emphasized that Erdemir acts with the responsibility of being a strategic partner to the automotive industry. He noted that thanks to its geographical proximity to Europe, production flexibility, and ability to respond quickly to demands, Erdemir will continue to be a reliable partner for the automotive sector in the future, as it is today.

We Rapidly Adapt to Changing Dynamics

Speaking at the session titled “2026 Outlook for the Turkish Flat Steel Sector – Demand Dynamics, End-User Industries, and the Impact of EU Regulations,” Tahir Zazaoğlu, Marketing Planning Director of Erdemir and İsdemir, stated that recent geopolitical developments are expected to drive increased demand in defense industry production and renewable energy projects.

Zazaoğlu noted that each year brings a new narrative that reshapes sectoral balances and emphasized that Türkiye continues to offer opportunities thanks to its strong consumption potential.

Highlighting Erdemir’s strategic role in defense industry projects, Zazaoğlu stated that the company serves as a main supplier in critical initiatives such as MÜGEM and MİLGEM. He emphasized that Erdemir and İsdemir possess the flexibility to rapidly adapt to changing market dynamics and continue to strengthen their effective position in the sector.

Zazaoğlu also pointed out that Türkiye’s steel sector competes with countries that have their own raw material resources, such as Russia and China, which benefit from cost advantages. Despite rising dollar-based costs, Türkiye continues to compete in the same markets, creating challenges in exports. He underlined that improving production efficiency and optimizing cost management are of critical importance. Furthermore, he stressed that resolving import-driven competition issues is vital for the long-term sustainability of the sector and the preservation of market balance.

Erdemir will continue to play an active role in initiatives that strengthen sectoral dialogue and contribute to Türkiye’s sustainable growth together with all its stakeholders, as it has done to date.