Ukraine Imported 364,700 Tons of Metallurgical Coke in January-July 2025

Ukraine Imported 364,700 Tons of Metallurgical Coke in January-July 2025

Ukraine increased imports of metallurgical coke and semi-coke by 6.1% year-on-year from January to July 2025, reaching 364,700 tons, according to data from the State Customs Service. Despite a 16.4% drop in July compared to last year, monthly imports remain higher than 2024’s average. This growth stems mainly from high import volumes in the first quarter. Notably, July shipments jumped 53.4% from June, reflecting volatile but resilient supply chains amid ongoing regional challenges.

Polish coke supplies dominate Ukraine’s imports, totaling 330,400 tons in the first seven months. Indonesia and the Czech Republic supplied 27,700 and 6,600 tons respectively. July saw a 43.9% month-on-month increase in Polish coke deliveries, while Indonesia paused shipments temporarily. This diversified sourcing highlights Ukraine’s strategic efforts to secure essential raw materials amid domestic production constraints.

Metallurgical Coke Imports and Ukraine’s Steel Industry Needs

Ukraine’s domestic coke production has plunged sharply, with coking coal output falling 74% and coke output nearly 85% since 2013. This decline primarily results from mine closures and control losses over key mining regions. Today, 64% of coal mines and coke chemical plants lie in uncontrolled territories, forcing Ukraine to rely heavily on imports.

To sustain current steel production—about 6.5 million tons via converter and open-hearth methods and 1.3 million tons of pig iron—Ukraine requires approximately 3.2 million tons of coke annually. In 2024, imports covered up to 20% of this need, a figure expected to rise in 2025 following the shutdown of the Pokrovsk Coal Group. Import shipments from the US, arranged by Metinvest Group, supplement supply lines, with monthly deliveries planned throughout the year.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Ukraine’s 6.1% increase in metallurgical coke imports during early 2025 underscores its steel sector’s strategic adaptation amid geopolitical and production challenges. With domestic production capacity severely diminished, Ukraine depends on diversified imports, primarily from Poland and increasingly from the US. This dependency highlights the critical need for stable supply chains and international partnerships. Moving forward, Ukraine’s steel industry must balance import reliance with investments in local resource development and alternative raw materials to sustain growth and competitiveness in global markets.