Turkey’s presence in North African steel markets strengthens in 2009

In 2009, Turkey's steel product exports to North Africa surged 177.23 percent year on year, though the revenue generated by these exports only increased by 57.76 percent compared to 2008 levels due to the sharp decreases in steel prices, according to the data provided by the Istanbul Mineral and Metals Exporters' Association (IMMIB). In the given period, Turkey exported 4.95 million metric tons of steel products to the region, accounting for 26.71 percent of Turkey's total steel product exports, up from 9.08 percent in 2008.

In 2009, Turkey's steel product exports to Egypt totaled 2.93 million metric tons, increasing by 7.63 times, while its steel exports to Algeria amounted to 624,080 metric tons, rising 19.16 percent, exports to Libya increased by 463.36 percent, reaching 895,496 metric tons, and exports to Sudan amounted to 63,431 metric tons, up 52.36 percent, all compared to 2008. Meanwhile, the country's exports to Morocco declined by 39.72 percent year on year, totaling 332,256 metric tons and its exports to Tunisia amounted to 102,817 metric tons, decreasing by 39.58 percent, both compared to 2008.

Turkey's steel product export volumes to North Africa for major products, including year-on-year percentage changes, are as follows: