Brazil, Norway and Russia drive Turkey’s 28 percent rise in iron ore imports in January-March 2026

In March this year, Turkey’s iron ore imports amounted to 785,503 metric tons, down by 18.7 percent compared to February and down by 17.4 percent year on year, according to the preliminary data provided by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK). Meanwhile, the revenue generated by these imports totaled $81.82 million, decreasing by 23.2 percent compared to the previous month and by 18.8 percent year on year.

In the January-March period, Turkey's iron ore imports amounted to 2.68 million mt, up 28 percent, while the value of these imports increased by 25.2 percent to $286.06 million, both year on year.

Turkey’s iron ore imports - last 12 months

In the given period, Turkey’s largest iron ore import source was Brazil, with 1.78 million mt, up by 26.6 percent year on year. Brazil was followed by Norway with 499,250 mt and Russia with 339,025 mt, up by 224.5 percent year on year.

Brazil maintained its position as by far Turkey’s largest iron ore supplier, with imports rising by 26.6 percent year on year to 1.78 million mt. Norway, from which no imports were recorded in the same period last year, ranked second with 499,250 mt, while imports from Russia increased by 224.5 percent to 339,025 mt. By contrast, the absence of imports this year from Sweden, Uzbekistan and Ukraine, which stood out among the leading suppliers last year, was notable. The overall picture shows that the 28 percent year-on-year increase in Turkey’s total iron ore import tonnage was driven by Brazil maintaining its strong position, along with high-volume purchases from Norway and Russia.

Turkey’s iron ore import sources in the January-March period this year:

Shares in Turkey’s iron ore imports - January-March 2026