Türkiye’s inclusion in ‘Made in EU’ branding to strengthen Turkish auto, steel sectors

ISTANBUL

The EU’s Made in EU requirement is expected to strengthen and solidify Türkiye’s strategic position in European production and supply chains, particularly in its vital auto sector and steel industry, a sector representative told Anadolu.

The Made in EU requirement prioritizes European countries in public procurement to boost domestic production.

Any country with existing trade deals with the bloc will be allowed under the requirement, said EU Commission Vice President Stephane Sejourne, who is responsible for the EU Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Energy, at a press conference in Brussels.

The EU Commission proposed the Industrial Accelerator Bill on Wednesday to strengthen European industries, introducing the Made in EU scheme.

Türkiye is expected to be considered under the framework of the Customs Union.

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat praised the development on Wednesday, saying in a post on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal that confirming the legal basis for Türkiye’s inclusion marks a critical step in bilateral trade relations.

Türkiye’s inclusion in the Made in EU requirement is expected to avert the significant risk of facing new customs duties that could otherwise undermine the country’s competitiveness, especially in the auto sector, despite the Customs Union.

Baran Celik, chair of the Uludag Automotive Industry Exporters’ Association, told Anadolu that an exclusionary policy would have harmed both Turkish manufacturers and the deeply integrated European auto ecosystem.

He noted that the move will elevate the Turkish auto industry from a production center to a comprehensive ecosystem partner.

“Türkiye’s inclusion will also ensure the uninterrupted flow of our exports to the EU and strengthen our position in the EU’s strategy to reduce its dependence on China, while empowering our domestic supply industry to directly benefit from green transformation funds and research and development incentives the EU provides,” he said.

Celik mentioned that the EU is expected to take a tougher stance in some areas and demand strict reciprocity, meaning the process ahead will bring new obligations requiring close monitoring.

The Turkish steel sector is also expected to see long-term strategic benefits from the Made in EU classification.

Veysel Yayan, secretary general of the Turkish Steel Producers’ Association, told Anadolu that the Turkish steel sector already operates in line with EU standards in production processes, quality standards, and technical regulations.

“This classification could create an opportunity for Turkish steel when we look at the market gaps that may arise if other exporters are not included in the Made in EU scheme,” he said.

Yayan said the Turkish steel industry expects to be formally accepted as an integral part of the European value chain “to achieve a stronger and more sustainable position in the European market.”

“Türkiye’s geographical proximity, robust production capacity, and production infrastructure compatible with EU standards could further empower Turkish steel, elevating the sector to a reliable and competitive supplier for the European industry,” he said.

He added that green transformation is not included in the Made in EU requirement yet, but with its inclusion, “Turkish steel may accelerate its efforts in the field and invest more in decarbonization,” which would deepen its alignment with Europe’s climate policies.

*Writing by Emir Yildirim