Western sanctions imposed on Russia give the metallurgical sector in Turkey a chance to act as a warehouse and a bridge, said the president of the specialized association, referring to the increased interest of Russian companies as well as EU companies that want to sell to Russia through Turkey.

Cetin Tecdelioglu, president of the Istanbul Association of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters (IDDMIB), said Russia’s demand for goods from Turkey that it can no longer buy from European companies has increased, and Turkish companies have also received inquiries from European companies. regarding supplies to Russia through Turkey, Reuters and Agerpres report. Techdelioglu did not reveal the names of the companies involved, nor did he specify how many there would be, but he said they were companies that produce copper, aluminum, kitchen utensils and machinery.

“What they (Russia) cannot buy from Germany, Italy and France, they buy from us. Separately, many EU companies intend to sell their products to Russia through Turkey,” said Cetin Techdelioglu. “They want to use Turkey as a warehouse and a bridge, while Russia wants to supply Turkey,” Techdelioglu said, adding that it represented a “historic opportunity” for Turkish companies.

Turkey’s exports of ferrous and non-ferrous metals rose 33 percent in the first six months of the year to 8.9 billion liras ($495.58 million), accounting for 6.2 percent of Turkey’s exports, official data showed. At the same time, Turkey’s exports of ferrous and non-ferrous metals to Russia increased by 26% year-on-year to $170 million in the first seven months.

Worsening relations between the West and China, a new potential chance for Turkey

The dispute between Moscow and the West over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has raised concerns about a possible cutoff of Russian gas supplies to Europe, which could lead to the closure of some industrial production facilities in Europe.

Cetin Techdelioglu estimated that this could create new opportunities for Turkish exporters of metal products.

Turkey criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, sent drones to Ukraine and tried to facilitate peace talks between the parties. On the other hand, Turkey has not supported Western sanctions imposed on Moscow and is trying to maintain close ties with Russia in trade, energy and tourism.

In addition, relations between the West and China also worsened after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, which Tecdelioglu said created new potential opportunities for Turkey. “We have already received signals about some possibilities,” Techdelioglu said.

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