Çakıroğlu Metal Joins Serbia Trade Delegation 2022

Serbia Trade Delegation: A New Chapter in Balkan Steel

Trade relations between Türkiye and Serbia have steadily grown into a success story over the past two decades. After the Free Trade Agreement in 2010, bilateral trade volume rose 200%, reaching USD 1.2 billion in 2018. This momentum continued, with Türkiye’s exports to Serbia increasing from USD 1.3 billion in 2020 to USD 2.7 billion in 2024. Export diversification—industrial products, textiles, automotive components, and food—shows deepening ties. Both countries’ leaders set a joint USD 5 billion target, supported by tangible figures rather than aspiration.

Steel at the Core of Bilateral Trade

Steel occupies a privileged position within this trade relationship. Türkiye’s exports to Serbia prominently include steel, raw materials, and ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Behind this lies Türkiye’s global weight in the sector. In 2025, crude steel output rose by 3.3% to 38.1 million tons, positioning Türkiye as Europe’s largest and the world’s seventh-largest steel producer. This production strength is reflected in exports: steel shipments reached 15.1 million tons, valued at USD 10.2 billion. Serbia has become an increasingly significant destination, ranking as Türkiye’s second-largest steel export market within the “Other Europe” group.

Serbia: A Market Accelerated by Infrastructure Investments

Serbia has taken rapid steps toward becoming one of the most dynamic economies in the Balkans. Total imports rose from USD 26.1 billion in 2020 to USD 42 billion in 2024. Much of this growth stems from infrastructure and industrial investments—road and rail projects, housing developments, and new industrial zones. These projects sustain demand for steel and metals, making the region attractive for suppliers. Turkish contractors have undertaken 75 projects worth approximately USD 10 billion as of May 2023, further reinforcing this link. The 2019 update of the Free Trade Agreement provided additional legal and commercial support for this process.

Global Context and Türkiye’s Role

The timing of the delegation coincided with a notable global steel trade environment. Despite demand pressures from high interest rates and inflation, governments’ commitment to infrastructure projects continues to support steel consumption. Uncertainty in European markets has driven buyers to seek alternative sources. With competitive pricing and robust production capacity, Türkiye has become a natural counterpart. In Serbia, the picture is even clearer: expanding domestic demand, growing industrial investments, and strong interest in Turkish suppliers.

ÇİB Delegation in Belgrade

Against this backdrop, the Turkish Steel Exporters’ Association (ÇİB) organized a sectoral trade delegation in Belgrade from 5–7 December. The program brought Turkish steel exporters together with Serbian buyers and industry representatives, aiming to establish a new platform for bilateral steel trade and deepen existing relations. Bilateral meetings, market expectations, and sectoral knowledge exchange formed the core of the three-day agenda.

Contribution of Çakıroğlu Metal

Operating in steel and metal supply since 1969, Çakıroğlu Metal participated in the Serbia Trade Delegation, engaging in sectoral meetings in Belgrade. With export experience across 24 countries and a broad portfolio, the company offered practical solutions to Serbia’s steel supply needs. These contributions strengthened cooperation and highlighted Çakıroğlu Metal’s role as a reliable, strategic partner in international steel trade.

Frames from the Serbia Trade Delegation

Conclusion: A New Era in Balkan Steel

Trade relations between Türkiye and Serbia are entering a new phase, especially in the dynamic steel sector. With growing investments, infrastructure projects, and cooperation, the USD 5 billion trade target is within reach. The Serbia Trade Delegation in Belgrade marked a step toward this vision. For Turkish steel exporters, Serbia is not only a market but a strategic partner in the Balkans. These developments reinforce Türkiye’s leadership in global steel while supporting Serbia’s regional growth.