In March 2023, Ukraine’s flat steel products exports increased by 67.3% compared to February 2023, reaching 58.43 thousand tonnes.
In monetary terms, these products’ exports increased by 61.4% monthly to reach $38.17 million and by 75.8% compared to March 2022, according to Government Customs Department data.
In January-March 2023, Ukraine exported 122.89 thousand tonnes of flat steel products worth $81.2 million, down by 90.9% compared to the same period of last year.
Within three months, uncoated hot-rolled flat products were the most exported, with a volume of 87.98 thousand tonnes worth $54.68 million.
Among the principal buyers of Ukrainian rolled steel are Romania 50.8% and Poland 43.4%. Poland and Bulgaria are the most considerable consumers of Ukrainian uncoated hot-rolled flat steel, accounting for 57.1% and 23.3%, respectively.
While in monetary terms, Poland 29.1%, Bulgaria 23.8% and Iraq 16% collectively consumed about 70% of uncoated cold-rolled products.
After the start of the war, ferrous metals export declined sharply due to the ports blockade, logistical problems, and the unfavourable situation in world markets, in addition to the extensive steel plant destruction in Mariupol-Azovstal and Ilyich Iron and Steel.
The situation concerning energy supply now has stabilized, steel manufacturers are increasing their capacity, and demand is growing in world markets. Although pre-war indicators are still far from being reached for Ukrainian steelmakers, monthly dynamics indicate a gradual increase in exports and steel production.
In 2022, Ukraine exported 1.63 million tonnes of flat steel, 73% less than in 2021. The 2022 export revenue of these products decreased by 73.5% year-on-year to $1.35 billion.
