However, export volumes have declined, while imports and domestic consumption are on the rise.
Key Production and Trade Indicators
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Export Share Decreased: Only 62.3% of rolled metal production was exported (1.234 million tons), compared to 66.8% (1.318 million tons) last year.
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Domestic Market Growth: The domestic consumption of rolled metal grew by 19.1%, reaching 1.2 million tons in the first four months of 2025.
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Imports Increased: The share of imported products in domestic consumption also grew—from 34.93% to 37.61% (450.9 thousand tons).
Export Structure Shifts
Ukraine's export structure is gradually changing:
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Semi-finished products: dropped from 45.45% to 36.06%
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Flat rolled products: increased to 44.89% (from 40.36%)
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Long rolled products: climbed to 19.04% (from 14.19%)
Imports Still Dominated by Flat Products
On the import side, Ukraine continues to rely heavily on flat rolled products:
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Flat rolled imports: 78.86% (compared to 82.88% in 2024)
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Long rolled imports: 19.12% (up from 15.27%)
Top Trade Partners
Export destinations of Ukrainian rolled metal in 2025:
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European Union – 79.7%
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Other European countries – 10.2%
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CIS countries – 6.8%
Main import sources:
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Other European countries – 57.9%
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EU-27 – 24.3%
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Asia – 17.3%
Broader Industry Context
According to the World Steel Association, Ukraine smelted 1.7 million tons of pig iron in Q1 2025, up 7.16% year-over-year. However, the country dropped to 23rd place among 71 global steel-producing nations.
Industry Insight: Ukraine’s metallurgy sector remains a vital pillar of the economy. The rising domestic demand signals growing infrastructure and industrial recovery, while changes in trade patterns reflect efforts to adapt to geopolitical and economic shifts.
