According to GMK Center calculations based on State Customs Service data, in January–April 2026, imports of long steel products to Ukraine increased by 56.6% year-on-year to 110.86 thousand tons. This dynamic reflects the active expansion of foreign suppliers amid recovering demand in construction, infrastructure projects, and the industrial segment. At the same time, the reduction in import spending in monetary terms points to a shifting price environment and tougher competition among supplying countries.
Supply Structure and Key Exporting Countries
The largest volume of imports consists of other bars and rods of carbon steel, not further worked than forged, hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or hot-extruded, but including those twisted after rolling under HS code 7214. Over the four-month period, their imports reached 39.38 thousand tons, which is 2.8 times higher than the previous year. Turkey remains the primary supplier in this category with 32.82 thousand tons, while Egypt shipped 4.99 thousand tons.
Angles, shapes, and special sections of non-alloy steel under HS code 7216 accounted for 38.03 thousand tons, up 22.2% year-on-year. Turkey also secured the largest share here, providing 27.79 thousand tons, followed by China with 5.24 thousand tons and Poland with 2.57 thousand tons. Additionally, hot-rolled bars and rods in irregularly wound coils under HS code 7213 rose by 77.9% to 20.48 thousand tons, with almost the entire volume imported from China.
In April 2026, imports of long products stood at 29.38 thousand tons. This is 39.3% more than in April 2025 and 80.6% higher compared to the previous month. Such a surge confirms that the Ukrainian market remains highly open to rapid redistribution of market shares between domestic and foreign suppliers.
Market Impact and Solutions from winox.ua
The growth of long steel imports offers Ukrainian consumers a broader choice, but it also brings higher volatility regarding product range, delivery times, and quality standards. As competition from Turkey, China, and other countries intensifies, it becomes critical for procurement managers to work with a supplier that strictly controls metal origin and specification transparency. Consequently, businesses are increasingly focusing not only on price but also on logistics stability and compliance with strict technical requirements.
For companies operating in construction, engineering, and manufacturing, this market environment highlights the value of reliable partnerships. As a trusted supplier of rolled metal, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals, winox.ua helps clients mitigate procurement risks through predictable supply schedules and professional order management. In the context of growing import competition, this is especially vital for enterprises that require stable pricing, certified quality, and uninterrupted production supply.
The pricing aspect deserves separate attention. Despite the 56.6% increase in physical import volumes, total spending on long steel procurement over the four months dropped by 18.5% to $108.3 million. This reflects downward price pressure, indicating that the market is entering a phase where professional procurement management and selecting a verified supply channel become a major competitive advantage.
What the Numbers Show for Ukrainian Industry
The current statistics confirm the continuation of a trend observed earlier. GMK Center also reported that by the end of the previous year, long steel imports to Ukraine had increased significantly, with Turkey and China dominating among the key suppliers. Therefore, we are witnessing a systemic change in the domestic market's competitive landscape rather than a short-term fluctuation.
For metal traders, manufacturing companies, and the construction sector, this signals a need to closely monitor not just volumes, but the specific product structure of imports. The highest pressure will be felt in segments where imports already command a significant market share—namely structural shapes, profiles, and certain types of bars. Under these conditions, the market players who can quickly adapt their procurement strategies and guarantee stable metal supplies to their clients will emerge as winners.