EUROFER President Henrik Adam met senior representatives of Türkiye’s steel industry in Istanbul on September 6 to discuss the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), carbon costs and the competitiveness of steel producers supplying the European market.
The meeting, hosted by ALMAMET International Group at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski, brought together executives from Turkish steelmakers and industry organisations, as well as representatives of the European steel sector.
Adam presented EUROFER’s assessment of the EU’s carbon-related regulatory framework and the implementation of CBAM, according to a statement issued following the event. The discussion also covered the outlook for the European steel industry and the market and competitive conditions expected to influence the sector.
CBAM entered its definitive phase on January 1, 2026. It applies to imports into the EU from several carbon-intensive sectors, including iron and steel. Under the mechanism, EU importers must report the emissions embedded in covered goods and surrender the corresponding number of CBAM certificates. A carbon price already paid in the country of production may be deducted if the importer can provide the required evidence.
The mechanism is intended to align the carbon cost of imports with that faced by European producers under the EU Emissions Trading System.
Participants in the Istanbul meeting discussed the effect that CBAM-related costs and compliance requirements could have on Turkish mills serving EU customers. Other subjects included emissions management, investment in lower-carbon production, environmental performance and the implications of evolving EU climate and trade policies.
The meeting also addressed how carbon intensity and regulatory compliance are becoming increasingly important factors in access to the European market.
Attendees included Uğur Dalbeler, CEO of Çolakoğlu Metalurji and chairman of the World Steel Association; Fuat Tosyalı, founder and chairman of Tosyalı Holding; Hasan Çolakoğlu, chairman of Çolakoğlu Metalurji; and Veysel Yayan, secretary general of the Turkish Steel Producers Association.
Representatives of İzmir Demir Çelik, Diler Holding, Kardemir Çelik, HABAŞ, Hasçelik, Tata Steel Ticaret and Kroman Çelik also participated.
ALMAMET International Group was represented by owner and chairman Karl Koehler and CEO Tolga İmrağ. Sezai Atay, founder of Metser Demir Çelik, also attended.
