Istanbul is set to welcome some of the most prominent figures in the global steel industry as the Steel Networking Summit 2026 takes place from October 25 to 27, bringing together industry executives, leaders of international steel associations, and representatives of major steel producers and trading companies.

The summit will provide a platform for discussions on the future of steelmaking, evolving global market dynamics, and opportunities to strengthen international trade partnerships.

Organized in cooperation with the Turkish Steel Exporters' Association (ÇİB), the event will be held at Swissôtel The Bosphorus, with more than 400 industry professionals expected to attend, including over 200 international delegates. The program features high-level panel discussions and more than 30 hours dedicated to networking and business meetings.

The gathering comes at a critical juncture for the global steel industry, as producers and traders navigate rising trade barriers, tariff measures, volatile energy and raw material costs, and mounting pressure to decarbonize production. These challenges, coupled with accelerating technological change, have placed industrial competitiveness and the resilience of international supply chains firmly on the industry's agenda.

Türkiye Ranks as the World's Seventh-Largest Steel Producer

Türkiye's role as host of the summit is particularly significant given its position among the world's leading steel-producing and exporting nations, as well as its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.

According to the World Steel in Figures 2026 report published by the World Steel Association (worldsteel), Türkiye's crude steel production reached approximately 38.1 million tonnes in 2025, up from 36.9 million tonnes a year earlier, placing the country seventh among the world's largest steel producers.

Turkish steel exports totaled approximately 17.5 million tonnes during the same year, while imports reached 19.8 million tonnes, underscoring the country's extensive involvement in international steel trade.

Türkiye also remains a major player in the global ferrous scrap market, importing approximately 18.7 million tonnes in 2025. Its substantial electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking capacity makes the country an important destination for internationally traded scrap.

These factors reinforce Istanbul's position as a strategic meeting point for steelmakers, exporters, raw material suppliers, and technology providers seeking to diversify markets, strengthen supply chains, and enhance their competitive positions.

Leading Figures from the Global Steel Industry Take Center Stage

The summit's announced speaker lineup features several influential figures from across the international steel industry.

Among the leading participants is Uğur Dalbeler, Chairman of the Turkish Steel Exporters' Association and CEO of Çolakoğlu Metalurji. Dalbeler was elected Vice Chairman of the World Steel Association for the 2026–2027 term, following his tenure as Chairman during the previous term.

Another prominent speaker is Fuat Tosyalı, Chairman of Tosyalı Holding and President of the Turkish Steel Producers Association, who heads one of Türkiye's major industrial groups with an expanding international investment portfolio.

The international speaker lineup also includes Edwin Basson, Director General of the World Steel Association; Henrik Adam, President of the European Steel Association (EUROFER); and Alexander M. Julius, President of the European steel distribution and trading association EUROMETAL.

Other notable names include Philipp Englin, CEO of World Steel Dynamics, and Su Buxin, Deputy Secretary-General of the Metallurgical Council of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, alongside senior representatives from major industrial and technology groups, including ArcelorMittal, Danieli, and Primetals Technologies.

The summit's Turkish government and economic representation includes Yusuf Emre Akgündüz, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Türkiye, as well as Ömer Bolat, Minister of Trade, and Volkan Ağar, Deputy Minister of Trade. The attendance of the Minister and Deputy Minister remains subject to their official schedules.

Major Turkish and International Steel Companies Represented

The organizations listed on the summit's official website reflect broad participation from across the steel value chain, including steel production, international trading, raw materials, industrial technology, and related services.

Among the prominent Turkish companies featured are Çolakoğlu Metalurji, İçdaş, Habaş, Borçelik, Diler, İzmir Demir Çelik, Kibar, and Yeşilyurt Demir Çelik.

The international company list includes China's Bao Steel, Tata Steel, and Muscat Steel, alongside global steel traders, financial institutions, logistics providers, and industrial technology suppliers.

This diverse representation highlights the summit's scope as a meeting point for businesses operating throughout the steel supply chain, from primary production and raw material procurement to distribution, international trading, and technological development.

Global Steel Trade, Decarbonization, and Artificial Intelligence in Focus

The conference agenda will address some of the most pressing issues facing the international steel market, including changing patterns of global steel demand and production, trade policies, protectionist measures, and the implications of economic and geopolitical developments for steel markets and supply chains.

Discussions will also examine the outlook for the steel industries in Europe and North America, particularly the impact of environmental regulations, carbon reduction requirements, and evolving trade legislation on industrial competitiveness.

Technological innovation will be another key focus, with a dedicated session exploring artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing technologies, and industrial transformation, including their potential to improve production efficiency and strengthen the competitiveness of steelmakers.

The program will further examine market developments across Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, together with the strategic role of the Turkish steel industry in global supply chains.

B2B Meetings to Create New International Trade Opportunities

Beyond its conference sessions, Steel Networking Summit 2026 will place significant emphasis on business development through a dedicated business-to-business (B2B) networking program designed to connect steel producers, exporters, and international buyers.

In parallel with the summit, the Turkish Steel Exporters' Association will organize an International Buyers' Delegation Program from October 25 to 28, bringing together Turkish steel suppliers and prospective buyers from international markets to explore commercial partnerships and export opportunities.

The association previously reported that 125 foreign companies had submitted preliminary registrations for the buyers' delegation program, with applications undergoing review ahead of the final selection process.

The summit has attracted support from a range of industrial organizations and international companies. The Turkish Steel Producers Association (TÇÜD) is participating as Platinum Sponsor, while Sims Metal, a major player in metals recycling, is serving as Silver Sponsor, alongside several Bronze Sponsors.

Turkish Airlines is the event's Airline Sponsor, while CNBC-e serves as Main Media Sponsor. Specialized steel market information and media partners include Kallanish, SteelOrbis, Shanghai Metals Market, Metal Expert, and SteelRadar.

The event will open with a welcome reception on October 25, followed by conference sessions and business meetings on October 26 and 27.

By bringing together leading steel producers, international traders, technology suppliers, industry associations, and policymakers, Steel Networking Summit 2026 aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation, facilitate new commercial partnerships, and promote dialogue on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the global steel industry.