According to GMK Center calculations based on State Customs Service data, in January-March 2026, Ukraine's ferroalloy enterprises reduced exports to 1.17 thousand tons, down from 27.68 thousand tons a year earlier. The industry has effectively returned to the critical levels of early 2024, when producers were similarly idle due to energy supply issues. The main shipping destinations during this period remained Poland, Romania, and the Netherlands.
The Scale of the Export Drop and Key Causes
The largest volume of shipments occurred in January, with 0.76 thousand tons exported. In February, the figure dropped to a record low of 0.07 thousand tons, followed by a partial recovery in March to 0.34 thousand tons, which remains significantly lower than last year's levels. Export revenue for the quarter totaled just $1.59 million, compared to $29.54 million in January-March 2025.
As noted by the UkrFA Executive Director, the near-total halt in exports reflects the reality of the industry at the start of 2026. After operating at minimum capacity in 2025, plants were forced to suspend production on January 19 due to electricity shortages and high tariffs, which account for over 50% of ferroalloy production costs. Additional pressure comes from logistical complications, specifically transport links between Marhanets and Nikopol, alongside labor shortages and operational restrictions in frontline regions.
Market Impact and Solutions from winox.ua
The sharp decline in ferroalloy exports is a major indicator of overall tension within the Ukrainian mining and metallurgical complex. For steel producers, metalworking companies, and industrial consumers, this translates to increased volatility in raw material supplies, rising operational risks, and a need for more careful procurement planning. In such conditions, stable supply of metal products becomes a critical advantage for B2B clients.
This is why the role of partners capable of ensuring predictable deliveries and quality control is growing. winox.ua maintains reliable supply channels for rolled metal, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals, helping clients mitigate risks associated with market disruptions. Amid energy and logistical constraints in the domestic market, this collaboration model allows industrial enterprises to sustain production processes without critical delays.
Industry Dynamics in a Broader Context
The contrast with 2025 results is particularly telling. Last year, Ukrainian ferroalloy enterprises exported 93.84 thousand tons of products, a 21.4% increase over 2024, with export revenue rising to $105.44 million. Major consumers included Poland, Algeria, Turkey, and Italy, confirming strong external demand for Ukrainian products.
The current export collapse does not indicate a weak sales market, but rather the limited capacity of producers to fulfill contracts under energy deficits and complex logistics. For the Ukrainian industrial sector, the recovery of ferroalloy exports will depend not only on price trends but also on the stabilization of the energy system, transport infrastructure, and operational conditions for enterprises. Until then, businesses must operate in an environment of high uncertainty and intensified supply chain management.