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Try the Free AI Search EngineUkraine Steel Market Report: Positive Trends Amid Export Variations
In January 2026, Ukraine’s steel industry is witnessing mixed signals as total production experienced a year-on-year decrease, while exports showed an overall increase. Notably, “Ukraine’s total steel exports up 8.1 percent in Jan 2026“ highlights this upward trend despite domestic consumption challenges, and it connects with “Flat steel exports from Ukraine fell by 12.4% m/m in January“, where a decrease in flat steel exports contrasts with increased semi-finished steel exports.
Measured Activity Overview
Activity levels in January 2026 indicate a rebound from December lows, with the average steelplant activity increasing to 22.0% from 7.0% previously. The Alchevsk Iron & Steel plant reached 66.0%, a recovery in productivity, closely aligning with increased export levels, particularly in semi-finished products as detailed in “Ukraine’s total steel exports up 8.1 percent in Jan 2026”. However, interconnectedness with flat steel exports shows varying performance by plant.
Steel Plant Activity Insights
Yenakiieve Iron & Steel Works, with a capacity of 3.3 million tons, operates a BOF integrated process. In January 2026, activity stood at 46.0%, recovering from a December drop when it was not operational. Despite this recovery, it shows no direct correlation to the observed raise in total exports, as discussed in “Flat steel exports from Ukraine fell by 12.4% m/m in January.”
Alchevsk Iron & Steel plant, with a capacity of 5.5 million tons, reported a notable activity increase to 66.0%. This rise correlates with the demand highlighted in the reports, where flat steel products, particularly slabs, are traded actively, affirming the plant’s role in meeting semi-finished product demands.
Metallurgical Plant Kametstal activity peaked at 57.0% in January, indicating stable operations that align with the trends in increasing total steel exports. These noted performances are vital as they contribute to overall market stability amid varying domestic demands.
Evaluated Market Implications
The observed uptick in activity at the Alchevsk Iron & Steel plant presents an opportunity for procurement strategists who might seek to capitalize on recovering supply chains. However, the substantial 12.4% month-on-month decrease in flat steel exports signals potential supply disruptions in that segment. Buying patterns should pivot to semi-finished products, which surged by 53.9% year-on-year in January, supporting the observed activity levels.
In essence, buyers should prioritize sourcing from active producers like Alchevsk and Kametstal while carefully monitoring Yenakiieve’s inconsistent performance. As the market sentiment remains very positive, timely procurement actions leveraging this upward trajectory will minimize risks linked to import and export discrepancies.