Ukraine increased rolled steel production by 14.2% m/m in April

In April 2025, Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises increased production of commercial rolled metal products by 14.2% compared to the previous month to 546.5 thousand tons, the highest level in the last 9 months. Compared to April 2024, the volume fell by 6.5%. This is evidenced by data from Ukrmetprom.

Pig iron production for the month increased by 17.3% m/m and 10.7% y/y – to 660.6 thousand tons, and steel production increased by 25.7% m/m, but decreased by 3.2% y/y – to 691.9 thousand tons. April was marked by good results for the industry, with monthly and even annual production peaks.

“The improvement in the industry’s performance is directly related to the launch of an additional blast furnace at ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, which took place in early April. How long the Ukrainian steel industry will be able to continue operating at the current level of capacity utilization will depend on many factors, including energy prices, global trade wars, and the ability to secure the production of the necessary raw materials,” said GMK Center analyst Andriy Glushchenko.

In January-April, Ukrainian steelmakers increased rolled steel output by 0.4% year-on-year – to 1.982 million tons. Pig iron production increased by 8.1% y/y – to 2.363 million tons, and steel production increased by 1% y/y – to 2.425 million tons.

As GMK Center reported earlier, in 2024, Ukraine’s steel industry increased rolled steel production by 15.8% compared to 2023, from 5.37 million tons to 6.22 million tons. Last year, pig iron production increased by 18.1% y/y, from 6 million tons to 7.09 million tons, and steel production increased by 21.6% y/y, from 6.23 million tons to 7.58 million tons.

The industry’s performance in 2024 was much better than expected. At the same time, GMK Center analysts predict that 2025 will be a difficult year as the global steel market is going through a crisis. Ukraine’s steel exports are likely to decline, the price situation will deteriorate, and import restrictions will tighten around the world.