According to GMK Center, which published calculations based on State Customs Service statistics, Ukrainian steel companies decreased flat steel exports by 1.6% year-on-year to 426.02 thousand tons in January-March 2026. At the same time, foreign currency revenue from these shipments grew by 7.3% y/y, reaching $248.74 million. This discrepancy points to the influence of pricing factors and shifts in the product structure of exports. Hot-rolled flat steel continues to constitute the largest share of shipments, with EU countries remaining the primary export destinations.
Export Structure and Dynamics by Product Type
Over 81% of total exports consist of hot-rolled flat steel (HS code 7208). During the first quarter, shipments amounted to 348.6 thousand tons, a 2.6% decrease compared to the previous year. The main buyers of this product are Poland, Bulgaria, and Italy, confirming that Ukrainian producers remain oriented toward the European market.
Cold-rolled flat steel (HS code 7209) accounts for 14.7% of exports, or 62.51 thousand tons, showing a growth of 6.9% y/y. The largest volumes in this segment are also directed to Poland, while Bulgaria and Italy remain smaller but stable markets. Conversely, exports of coated flat steel (HS code 7210) fell by 12.5% y/y to 14.46 thousand tons, primarily due to weaker dynamics in certain Central and Eastern European markets.
March data shows a more noticeable slowdown. Total flat steel exports for the month amounted to 104.89 thousand tons, which is 26.5% lower y/y and 35.9% below February's figures. The most significant decline was recorded in the hot-rolled segment, while coated steel showed a monthly recovery, albeit from a low comparison base.
Steel Market Impact and Solutions from winox.ua
For the Ukrainian and regional markets, these figures indicate that demand for flat steel remains uneven, and export activity increasingly depends on logistics, pricing conditions, and access to European consumers. The growth in revenue despite a moderate reduction in physical volumes highlights changing price trends and the importance of effective contract management. For industrial buyers, this serves as a signal that supply stability and price predictability are becoming critically important.
In such a scenario, winox.ua acts as a practical partner for B2B clients in the supply of rolled metal, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals. Against the backdrop of fluctuating export flows, the company helps businesses maintain procurement reliability by offering stable supply terms and a wide range of products for manufacturing, metalworking, and infrastructure projects. This is particularly relevant for enterprises dependent on the continuous supply of sheet and specialized rolled products.
Furthermore, the shift in export structure toward specific segments, such as cold-rolled steel, may affect the domestic availability of certain items and the procurement strategies of processors. In these conditions, the market requires suppliers who respond quickly to changes in demand and ensure transparency in commercial terms. This is why the role of professional distributors in the metal supply chain continues to grow.
What Quarterly Results Show for the Industry
A comparison with 2025 results shows that the current quarter is developing against a high base, as Ukraine increased flat steel exports by 11.2% to 1.82 million tons last year. The current slight decrease in Q1 2026 does not necessarily indicate a structural decline but confirms greater volatility in foreign markets. For producers, this means a need for more careful management of product portfolios and sales geography.
Special attention should be paid to the European market, which remains the primary destination for Ukrainian flat steel. Any changes in the regulatory environment, logistics costs, or carbon footprint requirements could directly impact export volumes in the coming months. Therefore, quarterly statistics serve as a vital indicator not only for steelmakers but for the entire chain of industrial metal consumers.