Key facts
- Turkey's clinker exports rose to 864,800 metric tonnes in June, the highest since May 2025.
- January-June clinker exports declined by 20pc year-on-year to 3.26 million tonnes.
- Turkey exported 1.76 million tonnes of cement in June, a 21% increase from the previous year.
- The US remained the largest market for Turkish cement exports in June.
- Increased demand in West Africa and Syria supported the rise in exports.
Turkey's clinker and cement exports experienced a notable increase in June, bolstered by robust demand from West Africa and Syria. This growth was further supported by reduced competition from suppliers in North Africa, Asia, and the Mideast Gulf.
Clinker exports surged to 864,800 metric tonnes in June, marking the highest volume since May 2025. This represents a substantial rise from 608,700 tonnes a year prior and 610,400 tonnes in May. Despite this monthly surge, cumulative clinker exports for January-June fell by 20% to 3.26 million tonnes, compared to over 4 million tonnes in the first half of 2025. This decline is partly attributed to stronger EU import demand prior to the implementation of the bloc's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) on January 1.
Ivory Coast emerged as the largest destination for Turkish clinker in June, with exports jumping to 90,800 tonnes from 8,900 tonnes a year ago. This increase reflects a booming construction market in West Africa. Shipments to Syria also saw a significant rise, reaching 82,700 tonnes in June, up from 16,900 tonnes a year earlier.
Clinker shipments to the United States also grew considerably, reaching 67,700 tonnes in June, more than double the 28,500 tonnes recorded a year earlier. This growth may be partly due to lower exports from Algeria, where buyers are reportedly cautious because of long vessel waiting times and uncertain loading schedules. Competition from Saudi clinker was largely confined to Red Sea markets, and Vietnam has shifted towards shorter-haul routes, diminishing its impact on longer-distance markets.
However, exports to some traditional clinker routes weakened in June, with shipments to Italy falling to 39,100 tonnes from 92,200 tonnes a year ago, and dispatches to Guinea declining to 38,500 tonnes from 81,700 tonnes.
In the cement sector, Turkey exported 1.76 million tonnes in June, a 21% increase year-on-year and a 13% rise from May. This volume was the highest since August 2022. For the first half of the year, cement exports grew by 6% to 8.94 million tonnes.
The US remained Turkey's primary cement market, with June shipments rising 9% year-on-year and 32% month-on-month to 781,500 tonnes, accounting for approximately 44% of total cement exports for the month. Despite this strong monthly performance, January-June shipments to the US were down 9% year-on-year, largely due to weaker exports in the first two months. Potential US tariffs on Canadian cement imports could further boost Turkish exports in the latter half of the year.
Syria was the second-largest destination for Turkish cement, with exports reaching 217,400 tonnes in June, more than triple the previous year's figure. January-June exports to Syria more than doubled year-on-year, driven by significant reconstruction projects.
Turkish cement exports to major European markets also showed strength in June, likely benefiting from reduced supply from Algeria and Egypt. This growth occurred despite concerns that the CBAM could pose a trade barrier. Exports to Italy and Albania increased by 21% and 42% respectively, while shipments to Bulgaria and Romania also saw year-on-year growth.