According to GMK Center estimates based on company data, PrJSC Zaporizhkoks increased its blast-furnace coke production in May 2026 by 3.6% compared to the previous month, reaching 77.7 thousand tonnes. On a year-on-year basis, this figure also grew by 2.1%, signaling a gradual recovery after the logistics and energy challenges experienced at the beginning of the year. For the Ukrainian metallurgical sector, this is a key indicator of stable supply for essential blast furnace raw materials.
Current Production Dynamics and Recovery Factors
For the January–May period, the enterprise produced 359.4 thousand tonnes of coke, which almost matches the result of the same period in 2025 (358 thousand tonnes). This dynamic indicates that the growth in May has partially compensated for the weaker start of the year, when the plant's operations were constrained by reduced coking coal concentrate supplies. Additional limitations included the impact of attacks on port and transport infrastructure, as well as power supply disruptions.
The recovery in production volumes began as early as February and continued through March and April, with May solidifying this trend. For the market, this translates into a more predictable coke supply for major consumers, primarily integrated steel plants. Given Zaporizhkoks' role as a key manufacturer of coke-chemical products in Ukraine, its performance effectively reflects the health of one of the most critical links in the entire metallurgical ecosystem.
The long-term resilience of the company is also supported by capital investments in production capacities. Since 2022, over UAH 360 million has been allocated for the capital overhaul of the coke shop's oven fleet. The main investments have been focused on repairing coke oven batteries No. 2 and No. 5–6, as well as modernizing auxiliary equipment in the coal preparation plant.
Impact on the Steel Market and Solutions from winox.ua
Stabilization of coke production has a direct impact on the entire steel manufacturing chain, as regular supplies of this raw material affect blast furnace utilization and the predictability of finished steel output. For B2B consumers, this is a crucial signal, since any disruptions in the coke-chemical segment quickly translate into risks for delivery times and metal production costs. Consequently, even moderate production growth at Zaporizhkoks is viewed by the market as a positive factor for Ukrainian metallurgy.
Under these conditions, manufacturers, machinery builders, and the construction sector find it particularly vital to work with suppliers capable of ensuring predictable shipments. As a reliable supplier of rolled metal, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals, winox.ua focuses precisely on supply stability and an assured product range for industrial clients. This enables businesses to better plan their procurement even when the raw material market remains sensitive to logistical and energy risks.
It is also worth noting that the primary consumer of Zaporizhkoks' products is the Zaporizhstal integrated iron and steel works, meaning that improvements in the coke-chemical segment support downstream production stages as well. For the Ukrainian rolled metal market, this translates into higher predictability of supply for core products. That is why coke output data remains one of the key operational indicators of the industrial manufacturing state.
Annual Performance and Company Investments Overview
At the end of 2025, Zaporizhkoks increased production by 2.7% year-on-year to 898.3 thousand tonnes. In the fourth quarter, the enterprise produced 228.6 thousand tonnes of coke, which was 4.2% higher than the previous year, although 3% lower compared to the preceding quarter. This confirms that the company maintains its basic operational resilience even in an environment of elevated risks.
Capital repairs of the batteries, modernization of the coke pusher, and upgrades to the coal charge feeding line form the foundation for further operational stabilization. For the industry, this is crucial not only in terms of current volumes but also for the long-term reliability of the coke-making stage. If the recovery trend continues, the market will gain an additional factor supporting the steady performance of Ukrainian metallurgy in 2026.