Ukraine’s semis exports hit highest since war outbreak

Ukrainian exports of semi-finished products decreased in January-August due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and blockade of seaports, according to customs data monitored by Kallanish.

The country exported 1.59 million tonnes of semis, down 66.7% on-year. Revenue generated by these shipments decreased by almost 63.6% to $1.1 billion.

The main buyers of Ukrainian semis in January-August were Bulgaria with a 21.9% share in exports, followed by Italy with 14% and Turkey with 12.22%.

However, in August alone, Ukraine increased exports of semis by 17.8% compared to the previous month to 87,600t, the largest tonnage since the beginning of the war.

Eight-month pig iron exports decreased by 60% to 877,600t, with revenue down 57.8% to $475.5m. The main consumers were the US with a 40.4% share, Poland with 33.2% and Italy with 9.3%.

In August alone, Ukraine reduced pig iron exports by 30% compared to the previous month to 100,400t.

Ukraine’s exports of iron ore decreased in January-August by 32.8% to 20.1mt and revenue was down 53.8% to $2.53 billion. Slovakia became the main consumer with a 19.8% share, followed by Poland with 16.5% and Czech Republic with 16%.

In August alone, Ukraine exported 1.44mt of iron ore, down by 7.8% compared to the previous month.

Ukrainian ferroalloy exports in January-August fell by 43% to 260,000t and revenue fell 27% to $462.5m. The main export destinations were Poland with a 55.5% share, followed by the Netherlands with 14% and Romania with 6.47%.

In August alone, Ukraine’s ferroalloy exports increased by 61.6% compared with the previous month to 16,900t.

ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih (AMKR) previously said it finds Europe trans-shipment unprofitable and could close the plant if the blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports is not lifted or global steel prices do not start to rise (see Kallanish passim).

Svetoslav Abrossimov Bulgaria