Ukraine Scrap Exports Surge 54.1% in January-September 2025

Ukraine Scrap Exports Soar 54.1% in January-September 2025

Ukraine’s ferrous scrap exports surged 54.1% in the first nine months of 2025. They reached 311,840 tons. This volume exceeds last year’s total by over 18,000 tons. Data from the State Customs Service confirms this growth. The increase highlights Ukraine’s growing role in the global scrap metal market amid ongoing industrial and geopolitical changes.

Key Export Markets Drive Ukraine Scrap Exports Growth

Poland remains the main destination for Ukraine’s scrap exports. It received 260,290 tons from January to September 2025. This accounts for 83.5% of total exports and a 49.5% increase from the same period last year. Greece, Bulgaria, and Germany also import Ukrainian scrap. However, Greece’s imports dropped 13% year-on-year, and Germany’s fell by 32.3%.

Poland also acts as a key transit hub. It re-exports large volumes of Ukrainian scrap to Turkey, avoiding a €180/ton export duty. Polish exports to Turkey more than doubled in 2024 versus 2023, reaching 529,000 tons. Poland’s imports from Ukraine rose sharply, suggesting much scrap enters Turkey through Poland.

Ukraine Scrap Exports Performance and Government Measures

In Q3 2025, Ukraine exported 108,340 tons of scrap, up 39.1% from Q3 2024. However, this was an 11.6% decrease from Q2 2025. Despite the quarterly drop, shipments stayed above 100,000 tons for two quarters straight. This marks a trend not seen since 2021. September exports totaled 28,780 tons, rising 16.2% year-on-year but falling 17.1% month-on-month.

Revenue shows mixed results. September earnings fell 17.7% compared to August but increased 6.6% year-on-year to $8.17 million. For January-September, export revenue climbed 44.6% year-on-year, reaching $93.57 million. This indicates strong demand despite price fluctuations.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy proposed export licenses and quotas for ferrous scrap. It may set a zero export quota for 2025. The goal is to secure raw materials for domestic steelmakers amid rising wartime production. This reflects efforts to balance export growth with local industry needs.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Ukraine’s scrap export growth shows its rising influence in global metal flows, especially with Poland and Turkey. The government’s export quota plans may tighten supplies for international buyers. Market watchers should monitor these rules closely. Changes could impact prices and trade routes in 2025. Poland’s role as a re-export hub highlights Eastern Europe’s scrap market links and its importance to regional steel production.