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Try the Free AI Search EnginePositive Trends in Ukraine’s Steel Market: Shifts in Export Dynamics and Plant Activity
In Ukraine, recent developments in steel exports and plant activity have signaled a positive shift in the market. News articles such as “Exports of flat steel products from Ukraine rose by 10.6% y/y in January–February“ and “Ukraine reduced exports of semi-finished products by 50% m/m in February“ highlight contrasting export trends that correlate with observed activity level changes in key steel plants.
Measured Activity Overview:
| Date | Mean Activity | Yenakiieve ISW | Alchevsk ISP | ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih |
|————|—————|—————-|—————|—————————|
| 2025-09-30 | 22.0% | 44.0% | 58.0% | 42.0% |
| 2025-10-31 | 30.0% | 46.0% | 58.0% | 42.0% |
| 2025-11-30 | 25.0% | 47.0% | 60.0% | 43.0% |
| 2025-12-31 | 7.0% | – | – | 45.0% |
| 2026-01-31 | 21.0% | 46.0% | 63.0% | 48.0% |
| 2026-02-28 | 26.0% | 45.0% | 61.0% | 50.0% |
| 2026-03-31 | 30.0% | 44.0% | 58.0% | 51.0% |
Yenakiieve Iron & Steel Works (YISW) demonstrated slight fluctuations, reaching a peak of 46.0% in January 2026, despite a significant drop in exports of semi-finished products by 50% m/m in February, as reported in the related news. Alchevsk Iron & Steel plant (AISP) maintained relative stability and peaked at 63.0% in January 2026, likely linked to the overall industry growth in flat steel exports, which increased by 10.6% y/y. In contrast, ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih’s activity remains resilient, rising to 51.0% in March after previous drops, possibly reflecting strategic shifts to adapt to changing market demands.
Evaluated Market Implications:
Given the positive export trajectory in flat products, buyers should target procurement from AISP, which has shown increased output and demand alignment. However, caution is warranted regarding YISW, experiencing decreased semi-finished exports and potential supply disruptions. The decreasing trend in long steel exports, plummeting by 64.3% in early 2026, indicates buyer attention should remain on flat products for stable supply and quality assurance. Consequently, maintaining supplier relationships with Ukrainian producers is essential, leaning towards those with growth in flat product segments like AISP and monitoring YISW for further progress before re-engagement.