Karabük is known as one of the most important industrial cities in Turkey and its economy is mainly based on heavy industry. The iron and steel industry forms the basis of the city's economic structure. Karabük Iron and Steel Factories (KARDEMİR), one of Turkey's first heavy industrial enterprises, is the largest employer in the city. This facility contributes greatly to the economic development of the city and provides direct employment opportunities for hundreds of people.
Apart from industry, Karabük's economy is also based on agriculture and forestry activities. The Yenice region in particular is known for its rich forest resources, which allows for the development of sectors such as forest products processing. Agriculture is mostly concentrated in the surrounding villages of the city, where cereals, fruits and vegetables are mainly produced. However, the share of these sectors in the economy is not as large as industry.
Tourism has started to take an important place in Karabük economy in recent years. Especially Safranbolu attracts local and foreign tourists with its historical houses and authentic atmosphere. The revival of tourism has created new job opportunities in areas such as accommodation, food and beverage services and local handicrafts. This has diversified the overall economic activity of the region and opened up income opportunities for more people.
The education sector is also an important area of employment in Karabük. Karabük University, as one of the largest educational institutions in the city, is known for both its education and research activities. In addition to employing academic and administrative staff, the university also offers various part-time work opportunities to students. In addition, the presence of the university indirectly contributes to the economy of the surrounding businesses.
In general, Karabük economy is fed by various sectors such as industry, agriculture, tourism and education. This diversity offers people living in the city the opportunity to find jobs with different skills and experiences. However, the industrial sector, which constitutes a large part of the city's economic structure, may face various challenges in terms of environmental impacts and sustainability. Therefore, Karabük's economic future will require a balance between industrialization and environmental protection and sustainable development.