Steel industry representatives from Asia, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Turkey discussed trade challenges, shifting supply chains and regional growth opportunities during the second day of the Steel Networking Summit 2026, according to SteelOrbis. The conference was organized by the Turkish Steel Exporters' Association (ÇİB) on 27 October and was structured in two sessions focusing on Asian and MENA steel markets and on Turkey's role in global steel supply chains. The first session, titled “From Asia to MENA: Shaping the Next Chapter of Global Steel”, assessed changing steel trade flows, regional supply and demand trends, and the challenges and opportunities facing steel suppliers across both regions.
Speakers included Prof. Margaret Myers of Johns Hopkins University, Su Buxin of the China Metallurgical Council and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Anastasiia Kononenko of SteelOrbis, Coco Zhang of Cheongfuli-Xiamen&HK, C&D Steel INTL, and Burak Odabaşı of Kallanish Commodities. The panel was moderated by Murat Eryılmaz, CEO of SteelOrbis.
According to the panelists, weaker domestic demand in China and a changing export environment are accelerating the country's focus on higher-value manufacturing and lower-carbon production. Steel embedded in vehicles, machinery and other manufactured goods is expected to become increasingly important in China's overseas sales. At the same time, stricter licensing procedures and carbon documentation requirements are making reliable delivery, compliance and payment security increasingly important for suppliers and traders, alongside competitive prices.
Opportunities across Asia depend on differing regional demand and capacity trends. In India, steel demand growth projected at around eight percent was expected to absorb new capacity additions and limit the need for exports, with overseas sales focused on higher-priced European markets and established Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) customers. In Southeast Asia, production has outpaced consumption in markets such as Indonesia and Malaysia, sustaining the availability of surplus steel for export, particularly billets and slabs.
ASEAN exports were nevertheless expected to remain near 20 million mt annually in the coming years, with several capacity projects paused and no substantial increase in export aggressiveness anticipated. For suppliers targeting MENA, industry representatives identified Saudi Arabia and the UAE as key demand centers, supported by infrastructure development and private construction. However, regional conflict and liquidity constraints are clouding the outlook.
Shipping disruptions and difficulties in securing raw materials are restricting industrial activity, while payment delays among private developers are adding pressure on the construction market. Panelists also highlighted Africa's growing role in iron ore and metallics supply, as well as the potential for lower-carbon production across MENA using natural gas and renewable energy. Several proposed investments remain delayed or under reconsideration, leaving the pace of new capacity development and the recovery in Gulf demand uncertain.
The second session, titled “The Turkish Steel Industry: A Strategic Partner in Global Supply Chains”, was moderated by strategist Cüneyt Paksoy and featured Salih Serdar Koçtürk of Kibar Dış Ticaret, Dr. S. Armağan Vurdu of the Istanbul Minerals and Metals Exporters' Associations, and Kerem Çakır of Borçelik.
The session evaluated the competitive advantages of Turkish steel in the face of rising protectionism and shifting supply chains. Panelists stated that buyers are placing growing importance on delivery reliability, technical capabilities and carbon performance alongside price. They argued that Turkey can meet these expectations thanks to its geographical proximity, production flexibility and range of transport options.
Citing strong industrial ties with Europe, they noted that Turkey complements European production chains through short delivery times and the ability to supply different steel grades. However, shrinking quotas and rising tariffs are placing pressure on these long-established supply relationships. Panelists stressed that measures aimed at protecting steel producers should also take into account the competitiveness of steel-consuming industries such as automotive and household appliances.
On carbon policy, panelists emphasized that verified actual emissions data at plant level should be used under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), so that the advantages of Turkey's predominantly electric arc furnace-based production structure are properly recognized. Industry representatives also noted that predictability in trade and carbon regulations is important for investment decisions, that exporters need to prepare for trade defense investigations, and that cooperation between the public and private sectors in international negotiations is essential to preserving market access. To strengthen resilience, panelists recommended operating existing capacity with competitive energy costs and favorable financing conditions, while directing new investments toward products currently dependent on imports and toward high-value-added, low-carbon production.
They said this transformation should be supported by joint product development between producers and end users, and stressed the need to maintain predictability in raw material supply given the industry's scrap-dependent production structure. On the demand side, industry representatives noted that the African market and reconstruction activities in neighboring countries could create export opportunities should geopolitical risks ease. Meanwhile, energy, infrastructure, social housing and urban transformation projects could support domestic steel consumption.
Source: SteelOrbis (steelorbis.com), “Steel Networking Summit 2026 highlights trade challenges and growth opportunities for Asian, MENA and Turkish steel industries”, 27 October 2026.
Source: steelorbis.com