According to a statement from the Turkish Steel Exporters' Association (CIB), since 2012 production has declined in the Turkish steel industry amid many problems which have put pressure both on production and exports. Meanwhile, in 2015 the Turkish steel industry reduced its overall capacity utilization to 62 percent and also reduced its capacity utilization for electric arc furnace-based plants to 52 percent. CIB president Namık Ekinci stated that, instead of increasing capacity which means further strengthening the challenges facing its exports, the Turkish steel industry should focus on the production of value-added products in order to use its existing capacity more effectively and efficiently.
In this regard, Mr. Ekinci pointed out the need for changes in the production processes in the sector which will also reduce production costs. According to the CIB president, with value-added products and reduced production costs, the Turkish steel industry will be able to sell its steel products at competitive prices, increase its exports, and create import substitution which will also meet local needs. In addition, domestic plants will have the opportunity to work at full capacity.