The 13th International
Stainless and Special Steels Summit, organized by MetalBulletin, was lately held in Istanbul. Commenting on
Posco Assan's entry into the Turkish
stainless steel market and on the impact on the domestic steel sector, Hüseyin Ataman, purchasing manager of CEMSUN
Stainless Steel Service Center, said that, after
Posco Assan commenced its commercial operations,
Turkey's
stainless steel imports decreased significantly, while delivery periods for
stainless steel products shortened due to its close proximity. Mr. Ataman also said that
Posco Assan's investment has reduced the number of alternative
stainless steel suppliers and resulted in an escalation of competition between Turkish
stainless steel service centers. He added that these negative impacts should be eliminated in order to create an efficient
stainless steel market.
On the other hand, Jong Won Kwon, CEO of
Posco Assan TST, commented on South Korea-based
stainless steel producer
POSCO's decision to invest in
Turkey. "
Turkey is a rapidly developing market and has a geographical advantage that enables our company to expand operations. In addition,
Turkey's steady bureaucratic structure and ongoing commercial agreements with the European Union also affected our decision," said Mr. Won Kwon.