In July, Turkey's exports of hot-rolled (HR) steel surged threefold compared to the same month of the previous year, reaching 381,000 tons, fueled by strong demand from Southern Europe. Italy emerged as the top destination, with exports totaling nearly 99,000 tons, a fourfold increase from the same month last year. Spain followed with about 57,000 tons, a significant jump from 4,100 tons year-on-year.

Portugal secured the third spot, with exports rising sharply to around 38,000 tons, up from 3,000 tons in July 2023. The exports to Ukraine also tripled, reaching about 30,000 tons. Other key destinations included Greece (about 24,000 tons), Libya (about 19,000 tons), Kosovo (about 18,000 tons), Egypt (about 17,000 tons), Iraq (about 11,000 tons), and Belgium (about 10,000 tons).