KYIV, March 24 (Reuters) - Ukraine's nominal steel production capacity has fallen to 8 million metric tons per year from 42.5 million tons in 2013, before Russia's occupation of eastern Ukrainian
Ukraine Steel Output Shrinks 81% Since 2014 as War and Crisis Hit Industry
Impact of War and Economic Crisis on Ukraine's Steel Industry
Decline in Steel Production Capacity
KYIV, March 24 (Reuters) - Ukraine's nominal steel production capacity has fallen to 8 million metric tons per year from 42.5 million tons in 2013, before Russia's occupation of eastern Ukrainian regions, the national steelmakers' union said on Tuesday.
Destruction and Occupation of Steel Plants
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine operated five large and several medium-sized steel plants, most of which have been either destroyed or occupied during the war with Russia.
Steel Exports and Economic Importance
Steel and metallurgical products were among the main components of Ukraine's exports, alongside iron ore and agricultural commodities.
Current Challenges Facing the Steel Industry
Production Constraints and Forecasts
"Amid the ongoing hostilities, electricity shortages, and rising fuel costs, monthly steel output in 2026 is unlikely to exceed 600,000 tons and is expected to remain below the peak levels of previous years," Ukrainian GMK Center consultancy said in a report.
Recent Output Statistics
The union said this month that Ukrainian steel output fell 13.2% on the year in the first two months to 1.03 million tons.
Year-on-Year Output Changes
Ukraine, formerly a leading steel producer and exporter, reported a 70.7% drop in output in 2022 to 6.3 million tons. Output fell to 6 million tons in 2023, reached 7.58 million tons in 2024 and decreased to 7.41 million tons in 2025.
Major Steelworks and Plant Closures
The largest remaining steelworks, ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, said this month it would close two rolling mills citing the energy crisis caused by Russian strikes and the cost of European Union environmental requirements.
(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk)
