Ukrainian metallurgy in 2025: growth in pig iron production while reducing steel output

The Ukrainian metallurgical industry has shown mixed results in the first nine months of 2025. Despite the growth in pig iron production, steel output continues to decline. Such data was published by the Ukrmetallurgprom association, noting that the total production volumes indicate the gradual adaptation of the industry to wartime conditions.

According to statistics, pig iron production in January-September 2025 increased by 8.1% compared to the same period last year. Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises smelted 5.79 million tons compared to 5.36 million tons in 2024. This growth was made possible by the restoration of part of production capacities and a more stable supply of raw materials.

In contrast, steel production showed a decline. In the first nine months of the year, Ukrainian steel mills produced 5.52 million tons of steel, which is 6.1% less than last year, when the figure was 5.88 million tons. Analysts attribute the decrease to fluctuations in demand on foreign markets, restrictions in logistics and high energy costs.

At the same time, rolled steel production remained almost at the same level as last year, showing a slight increase of 0.4% - from 4.82 million tons to 4.84 million tons. This indicates a certain stabilization in the segment of final products, despite general difficulties in production chains and transport infrastructure.

The most dynamic growth in pig iron production was recorded in the summer months. In July, the figures exceeded last year's by 11.4%, and in August - by 16.1%. This indicates a positive impact of seasonal demand and the establishment of internal logistics. At the same time, steel production during this period, on the contrary, decreased - in June the drop was 15.4%, and in July - 18.1%.

Industry experts note that current indicators indicate a partial recovery of production, but in general the sector needs investments in modernization and stable energy supply. Ukrmetallurgprom emphasizes: further growth is possible only if full-fledged logistics to ports are restored and export opportunities for Ukrainian metallurgists are expanded.