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The 2nd National Copper Summit, held in Istanbul on February 13, 2026, brought together industry representatives to discuss the future of the copper sector with a focus on exports, green transformation, and sustainability. Organized in collaboration with the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO), Kocaeli Chamber of Industry (KSO), Istanbul Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters’ Association (IDDMIB), and Istanbul Technical University (ITU), the summit addressed copper’s strategic importance for industry and its role within global supply chains.
The opening speeches of the event, held under the theme “A Strategic Power Driving the Future in Exports and Green Transformation,” were delivered by Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, Rector of Istanbul Technical University; Hayrettin Çaycı, Member of the KSO Assembly; Ender Yılmaz, Chairman of the ISO Assembly; Çetin Tecdelioğlu, Vice Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) and President of IDDMIB; and Mehmet Ali Kılıçkaya, Director General of Exports at the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye.
During the summit, it was emphasized that the copper sector holds a strategic position in Türkiye’s industry and exports. It was noted that sector exports increased by 101% over the past five years, reaching 2.8 billion USD. Copper, which provides critical inputs for many sectors including automotive, energy, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and white goods, was highlighted as one of the most essential raw materials for industry. The importance of R&D investments, new technologies, and high value-added production was also underlined as key factors for strengthening the sector’s global competitiveness.
Panels held during the summit addressed supply–demand balance and price dynamics in global copper markets, green transformation, sustainability, new technologies, and export potential. Concluding with an evaluation session, the summit discussed strategic steps and a future roadmap to strengthen the position of Türkiye’s copper sector within the global supply chain.