Ukraine’s Flat Rolled Steel Imports Rise by 10.2% in January–August 2025

Coated Flat Rolled Products Drive Growth in Steel Imports

Ukraine increased its flat rolled steel imports by 10.2% year-on-year in the first eight months of 2025, totaling 732.34 thousand tons. According to data from the State Customs Service analyzed by a leading industry research center, coated flat rolled products accounted for roughly 50% of this volume. Imports of these coated products reached 361.95 thousand tons, up 14.9% from the same period in 2024.

Turkey led the supply, delivering 192.08 thousand tons, followed by Poland with 40.69 thousand tons and Slovakia with 36.69 thousand tons. This continued dominance reflects Turkey’s strategic role in Ukraine’s flat steel supply chain. Meanwhile, hot-rolled flat products made up 31% of total imports, amounting to 227.78 thousand tons, though this marked a slight 2.4% year-on-year decline.

In contrast, cold-rolled flat steel imports surged by 36.1%, reaching 71.04 thousand tons. Turkey also topped this segment with 51.7 thousand tons, while China and Slovakia contributed 15.26 and 3.31 thousand tons, respectively.

Monthly Trends Reflect Shifts in Segment Demand

In August 2025, Ukraine imported 87.36 thousand tons of flat rolled steel, a 12.1% drop year-on-year and 3.9% decrease month-on-month. However, coated products bucked the trend with a 20.9% year-on-year increase, totaling 51.99 thousand tons. Imports of cold-rolled steel also rose by 17% y/y and a sharp 60% m/m, signaling rising demand in manufacturing or construction.

On the other hand, hot-rolled flat products saw a steep drop of 57.3% y/y and 40.9% m/m, down to 16.66 thousand tons, reflecting either supply constraints or reduced industrial consumption.

Financially, the value of imports grew by 5.7% year-on-year, reaching $774.49 million in the first eight months. Yet, August saw a dip to $89.06 million, down 19% y/y and 8.7% m/m, indicating some price normalization or changing market conditions.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Ukraine’s flat rolled steel import trend reflects both resilience and transition in a market adapting to post-war reconstruction and industrial shifts. The growing share of coated and cold-rolled products suggests increased demand in downstream sectors like construction, appliances, and automotive. Meanwhile, the sharp decline in hot-rolled imports may point to cost pressures or strategic stockpiling earlier in the year. Going forward, trade partnerships with Turkey and China will remain critical to Ukraine’s material security and economic recovery. Price volatility and logistics capacity will continue to shape import patterns through the rest of 2025.