According to Turkish statistical Institute data, Turkey imported 5.14m tonnes of flat rolled steel in 2011, 10.4% down YoY. Within this, imports of hot rolled flats last year were 11.8% down on 2010 with Russia the main supplier followed by Ukraine.

Cold rolled flats imports were 4% down on 2010 with Russia again the main supplier followed by Romania. These imports did not fall as steeply as those of HRC due to a shortage of CRC in Turkey, sources tell Steel Business Briefing. A large tonnage of cold rolled flats is expected to be imported in 2012, provided import prices stay competitive.

Coated flats imports were 9.3% down YoY as a result of increasing domestic production capacity, sources believe. Belgium was the main supplier followed by South Korea. 2011 narrow strip imports dropped by a similar percentage. Turkish traders believe overall flats import tonnages will decrease in 2012, as domestic production capacity is sufficient and current market sentiment is negative. Moreover, domestic prices are lower than import offers.

(Sourced from www.arabsteel.inf)