Ukraine Scrap Exports Surge to Over 44,000 Tons in July 2025

Ukraine Scrap Exports Reach 44,000 Tons in July 2025

Ukraine’s scrap metal exports surged by 81.5% compared to July 2024, reaching 44,840 tons in July 2025. Despite a slight 6% decline from June, overall export volumes showed robust growth. Poland continues to dominate as the primary destination, receiving over 70% of shipments. Meanwhile, smaller volumes went to Greece and Germany. This expansion reflects increased demand and shifting logistics in the regional scrap metal market.

From January to July 2025, Ukraine’s scrap shipments grew 66.4% year-on-year, totaling 248,340 tons. Poland imported 208,040 tons, a 63.4% increase year-on-year. Greece and Bulgaria received smaller but stable shipments. Interestingly, exports resumed to Transnistria after a year’s pause, sparking controversy due to geopolitical tensions and domestic security concerns.

Strategic Implications of Ukraine’s Scrap Exports in 2025

The growth in Ukraine’s scrap exports accompanies mounting challenges for the domestic metallurgical industry. Oleksandr Kalenkov, president of Ukrmetprom, criticizes the surge in exports, warning of deteriorating industry security and fiscal losses. Exporting strategic raw materials amid ongoing conflict risks weakening Ukraine’s steel production and economic resilience.

Additionally, Poland serves as a key transit hub, facilitating the re-export of Ukrainian scrap to Turkey, which bypasses EU export duties. This pattern highlights complex trade routes and regulatory challenges. Looking ahead, global trends suggest scrap metal will increasingly become a strategic domestic resource. Nations focus on green metallurgy and decarbonization, pushing for scrap retention to support local steel industries.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Ukraine’s 81.5% increase in scrap exports in July 2025 signals dynamic shifts in regional metals trade. While Poland’s dominance as a scrap importer continues, the strategic risks of raw material exports during conflict remain critical concerns. As global markets prioritize sustainable steel production, Ukraine must balance export growth with protecting domestic raw material supplies. Investing in value-added steel production rather than raw scrap exports could enhance economic stability and competitiveness in evolving metallurgical markets.