According to the State Statistics Service, in the second quarter of 2026, the business confidence indicator in the Ukrainian construction market rose by 1.9 percentage points compared to the first quarter, reaching -25.7%. The industry survey also noted an improvement in the assessment of current order volumes to -41.5%, indicating a gradual recovery after a long period of instability. For related markets, particularly suppliers of metal and industrial materials, this serves as a critical marker of future demand.
Survey Data: What Construction Companies Report
According to the survey results, 54% of construction companies evaluate their current volume of orders as normal for the season, while 45% consider it insufficient. On average, businesses are secured with contracts for six months, which matches the pre-war levels seen in early 2022. At the same time, 25% of respondents noted an increase in the volume of work completed in the previous quarter, while 41% reported a decrease.
The market is also signaling further price pressure. 68% of respondents expect an increase in the prices of their services following the second quarter, only 2% predict a decrease, and 30% see no changes in pricing policy. This implies that the construction sector is entering a phase where demand is stabilizing, yet costs remain high.
Impact on the Steel Market and winox.ua Solutions
The improvement in construction business confidence is directly linked to the prospects of consuming rolled metal, pipe products, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals. As companies secure longer order horizons and gradually restore work volumes, this creates a more predictable demand for materials in residential, non-residential, and engineering construction. For metal suppliers, this necessitates maintaining inventory availability, logistical flexibility, and stable commercial terms.
In this market environment, winox.ua acts as a practical partner for businesses planning procurement in advance and requiring a reliable channel for metal supply. Against the backdrop of expected price increases in the construction sector, winox.ua helps clients ensure stable delivery terms and predictable purchasing for production and construction projects. This is particularly vital for contractors and industrial enterprises working within tight project schedules.
Key Risks for the Construction Sector in the Near Term
Despite the indicator's improvement, the market still faces significant constraints. The most substantial negative impacts on construction in the second quarter are labor shortages, noted by 56.1% of respondents, and financial constraints at 48.2%. Additional limiting factors include weather conditions, insufficient demand, and various other operational risks.
The labor situation remains uneven: about 23% of companies expect staff reductions, 57% do not foresee changes, and 19% plan to expand their workforce. Meanwhile, almost all surveyed enterprises indicate that predicting future business development is extremely difficult. Therefore, precise procurement planning, cost control, and collaboration with proven material suppliers will be crucial for market participants.
What This Means for Industrial and Construction Companies
New data confirms that Ukraine's construction industry is gradually restoring business activity, although it has not yet reached the zone of full confidence. For manufacturers, developers, engineering contractors, and metal traders, this signifies the growing importance of medium-term planning and procurement discipline. An additional positive context is that, according to GMK Center, the volume of construction work performed in Ukraine in 2025 increased by 12% year-on-year to 248 billion UAH.
Non-residential construction showed the highest dynamics last year, while engineering structures remain the largest segment by volume. For the metal market, this provides grounds to expect further revival in demand within specific niches, primarily in commercial and infrastructure projects. At the same time, persistent financial and labor risks require businesses to remain cautious in inventory management and partner selection.