Ukraine Increased Imports of Flat Rolled Steel by 17.2% in Early 2025

Ukraine’s Flat Rolled Steel Imports Surge in 2025

Ukraine saw a significant increase in flat rolled steel imports during the first five months of 2025. According to the State Customs Service data, imports reached 454,680 tons—a 17.2% rise compared to the same period in 2024. Coated flat rolled steel made up around 40% of these imports, totaling 196,820 tons, marking a 10.2% increase year-on-year.

Turkey emerged as the leading supplier of coated flat products, delivering 85,330 tons, followed by Poland with 24,620 tons and Slovakia with 23,250 tons. Hot-rolled flat steel products accounted for 36.5% of total imports, rising 18.9% to 165,870 tons, mainly supplied by Turkey (125,600 tons), China (25,790 tons), and Italy (4,650 tons).

Focus on Coated and Cold-Rolled Flat Steel Imports

Cold-rolled flat steel imports surged by 63.8% year-on-year, reaching 47,290 tons in early 2025. Turkey again led these shipments with 33,170 tons, followed by China and Slovakia. In May alone, Ukraine imported 99,110 tons of flat rolled products, up 2.5% year-on-year and 13.5% month-on-month. Coated flat rolled imports decreased slightly by 4.2% year-on-year in May but jumped 23.6% month-on-month.

Expenditure on flat rolled steel imports increased 12.1% year-on-year to $478.89 million in January-May 2025. In May, spending rose 3.5% year-on-year and 9% month-on-month to $108.14 million, reflecting strong demand and price trends.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Ukraine’s flat rolled steel import growth highlights a robust recovery in domestic steel demand and supply chain diversification. Turkey’s role as a dominant supplier underscores strong regional trade ties, while rising expenditures signal tightening market conditions. The surge in coated and cold-rolled flat steel imports suggests Ukraine’s manufacturers are prioritizing quality and corrosion-resistant materials amid ongoing infrastructure and industrial projects. Monitoring supply sources and price fluctuations will remain critical for market players as demand evolves.