Turkey’s iron ore imports up 65.7 percent in January-February 2026, signals of diversification

In February this year, Turkey’s iron ore imports amounted to 965,983 metric tons, up by 4.1 percent compared to January and by 180.9 percent year on year, according to the preliminary data provided by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK). Meanwhile, the revenue generated by these imports totaled $106.6 million, increasing by 9.1 percent compared to the previous month and up by 223.5 percent year on year.

In the January-February period this year, Turkey's iron ore imports amounted to 1.9 million mt, up 65.7 percent, while the value of these imports increased by 59.8 percent to $204.2 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 1.4 million mt, up by 86.0 percent year on year. Brazil was followed by Norway with 334,192 mt and Russia with 185,364 mt, up by 118.4 percent year on year.

In the first two months of the year, Brazil’s exports expanded significantly with an 86 percent increase and accounted for the bulk of total imports, indicating that Turkey has returned to its traditional suppliers, while the 118.4 percent rise in imports from Russia points to the continued presence of alternative sources in the market. Meanwhile, Norway’s entry into the list with a notable tonnage from zero signals that the trend toward supply diversification is strengthening.

Turkey’s top 10 iron ore import sources in the January-February period this year:

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