According to the results of the first quarter of 2025, Turkey significantly reduced the volume of imports of mining and metallurgical products from Ukraine. According to data obtained from customs statistics analysis, imports decreased by 64.3% compared to the same period in 2024, totaling 150.54 thousand tons. This indicates a change in trade relations between the two countries amid the war and economic challenges.
This is reported by Business • Media
Main Import Volumes and Their Changes
Key positions of Ukrainian metallurgical exports that arrived in Turkey during this period include iron ore and semi-finished products. In particular, the volume of iron ore shipments amounted to 80.29 thousand tons, which is 79.3% less compared to the first quarter of 2024, while semi-finished products totaled 60.52 thousand tons, an increase of 97.3%. This indicates a change in the structure of imports, with a decrease in ore supplies and an increase in semi-finished product deliveries.
A small portion of the imports consisted of rolled metal — 8.23 thousand tons, which is 2.5 times more than in the same period last year, and ferroalloys — 1.5 thousand tons, which were not supplied in the first quarter of 2024.
In March 2025, Turkey imported only 9.99 thousand tons of semi-finished products from Ukraine, while most of the iron ore and ferroalloy shipments were made in February. The bulk of the imports — flat hot-rolled and cold-rolled products — arrived in January and February, with volumes of 3.21 and 5 thousand tons respectively.
“For a long time, Ukraine and Turkey have been traditional partners in the trade of metallurgical products. During the war, supplies continue, although the status of the two countries has changed: Ukraine has become a net importer of steel from Turkey. It is highly likely that this status will remain for some time even after the war ends,” analysts note.
Prospects for Cooperation
Turkey has a developed metallurgical industry and is capable of supplying the steel needed for post-war reconstruction. At the same time, the reduction in import volumes from Ukraine may indicate a change in trade routes and strategies in response to current challenges and restrictions.