Ukrainian steelmakers exported 29.5 thousand tons of flat rolled products

In January 2023, steel enterprises of Ukraine reduced the export of flat products by 33.9% compared to December 2022 – to 29.54 thousand tons. In monetary terms, the export of such products fell by 35.2% m/m – to $19.4 million. This is evidenced by State Customs Service’s data.

In January 2023, shipments of flat products abroad decreased by 94.2% year-on-year, and export revenue decreased by 95.5%.

Flat hot-rolled products without coating were the most exported (Nomenclature – 7208) – 20.2 thousand tons for $12.74 million, which is 36.4% and 37.2% less, respectively, compared to December 2022. Also, 8.16 thousand tons (-16.4% m/m) of flat cold-rolled products without coating (Nomenclature – 7209) were exported for $4.56 million (-28.3% m/m).

The three leaders among the types of flat rolled products in terms of export volume from Ukraine in January 2023 are covered by plated flat rolled products, with galvanic or other coating (Nomenclature – 7210). During the month, steel companies reduced the export of such products by 61.7% compared to the previous month – to 1.21 thousand tons. Income from the shipment of coated rolled steel fell by 35.6% m/m – to $2.06 million.

Poland and Bulgaria are the largest consumers of Ukrainian flat hot-rolled products without coating – 42.03% and 35.17%, respectively, in monetary terms. Iraq (26.95%) and Poland (26.19%) together consumed more than 55% of uncoated flat cold-rolled steel. Among the main buyers of Ukrainian-made rolled steel are Romania (56.62%) and Poland (41.64%).

After the Russian invasion, ferrous metals exports fell sharply due to the blockade of ports, logistical problems, as well as the destruction of the big plants in Mariupol – Azovstal and Ilyich Iron and Steel Works. Now Ukrainian steelmakers are actively looking for new ways to export products, but the shipment can be made mainly to Europe, since most world markets are closed to Ukraine due to the inaccessibility of ports.

As GMK Center reported earlier, in 2022, Ukrainian steelmakers exported 1.63 million tons of flat rolled steel, which is 73% less compared to 2021. The revenue of steelmakers from the export of such products fell by 73.5% y/y – to $1.35 billion. The largest consumers of products were Poland, Romania, Turkiye and Bulgaria.