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“Growth through exports” continues to be one of our company’s core strategic objectives. In this regard, the general and sectoral evaluations, export vision and future projections made by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) have always been among Bayel’s areas of focus.

Particularly during the week of May 01–07, 2026, the messages delivered by TİM provided important signals not only regarding export figures, but also concerning production structure, competitiveness, sustainability and access to new markets. From the perspective of the construction materials sector, these messages carry direct strategic significance for manufacturers operating in cement, iron-steel, construction chemicals, insulation and ceramics. Below, we present some of the messages that we consider important.

“Export competitiveness is weakening” message

One of the topics most frequently emphasized recently by TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe has been “competitiveness.” In TİM’s official statements, it was stated that energy costs, raw material prices, difficulties in accessing finance and increases in production costs have created serious pressure on exporters. (TİM)

This situation is felt more strongly especially in the construction materials sector. Since cement, ceramics and iron-steel production are among the sectors with high energy consumption, cost increases are directly reflected in export prices. During a period of intense price competition in the European, North African and Middle Eastern markets, Turkish manufacturers appear to be facing margin pressure.

TİM’s assessment that “purchases from Türkiye are decreasing while competitors are filling the gap” can be interpreted not only as a short-term pricing issue for the sector, but also as a risk regarding global market share. (TİM)

“The exchange rate-inflation balance is challenging exporters” message

Another important issue highlighted by TİM was the exchange rate-inflation balance. In his statements, Mustafa Gültepe emphasized that production costs are rising rapidly due to inflation, while the exchange rate is not moving at the same pace, creating pressure on exporters. (TİM)

From the perspective of the construction materials sector, this situation increases competitive pressure particularly on manufacturers of cement, ceramics, iron-steel, aluminum systems and construction chemicals.

Because a significant part of the sector operates with a production model dependent on energy, logistics and imported inputs. However, it is not always possible to increase prices in export markets. As a result, many manufacturers struggle with profitability despite operating at high capacity.

“Green transformation is now a necessity” message

One of TİM’s strongest strategic messages on the May agenda was green transformation. The European Union’s carbon regulations, border carbon mechanism and sustainable production criteria are now considered an inseparable part of exports. (TİM)

Particularly in the construction materials sector, practices such as low-carbon cement, recyclable building materials, energy-efficient production, sustainable packaging and Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) are becoming critical.

The prioritization of carbon footprint, energy efficiency, circular economy and clean production topics in the “GOAL Green Challenge 2026” program supported by TİM has become one of the concrete indicators of this transformation. (TİM)

Today, for a construction materials manufacturer exporting to Europe, it is no longer sufficient only to produce quality products; having a sustainable and low-carbon production infrastructure has also become a competitive advantage.

“Expansion into new markets should accelerate” message

One of the important agenda items of TİM during May 2026 was new export markets. Trade delegations organized for the USA, Romania, Chile, Hungary and Gulf countries aim to position Turkish exporters more strongly in alternative markets. (TİM)

In particular, the New York Trade Delegation organization for the building and construction materials sector stood out as a remarkable topic. Within the scope of the program, companies operating in areas such as steel, natural stone, HVAC systems, construction chemicals, facade systems and surface coating products are targeted to develop new business partnerships in the U.S. market. (TİM)

This approach also demonstrates that the Turkish construction materials sector is seeking growth in broader geographies rather than remaining dependent solely on the traditional European market.

“Value-added production has become critical” message

One of the concepts most emphasized recently by TİM has been “value-added exports.” Particularly in areas where competition in standard products has intensified, the importance of technology-oriented and high value-added production is becoming clearer. (Dünya Newspaper)

In the construction materials sector, this transformation manifests itself in areas such as special binding cements, technical ceramics, smart facade systems, high-performance insulation products and sustainable building solutions.

While price competition intensifies in traditional product groups, companies developing innovative products can both generate higher export value and position themselves more strongly in global markets.

Within the framework of these messages, it is possible to understand the new period dynamics of Türkiye’s export ecosystem. Competitive pressure, cost management, sustainable production, access to new markets and value-added production appear likely to remain the main agenda items of the construction materials sector in the coming period.

As a company operating in the construction materials sector, we are not only following this transformation; we also consider it among our primary objectives to act with an approach that contributes to exports through collaboration with our industrial stakeholders focused on sustainability and innovative production.

Sources:
TİM Official Website
Turkish Exporters Assembly Events
GOAL Green Challenge 2026 Program
Dünya Newspaper – TİM Agenda