Published on 29 July 2024

Ukraine’s ferrous scrap export sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth in the first half of 2024. From January to June, the country exported 124.53 thousand tons of ferrous scrap, marking a significant 35.3% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Key Export Destinations

Poland emerged as the primary destination for Ukraine’s scrap exports, receiving 108.37 thousand tons. Greece and Germany followed, importing 11.69 thousand tons and 4.25 thousand tons, respectively. This distribution highlights Poland’s dominant role in the Ukrainian scrap market.

June’s Performance

June 2024 was a particularly strong month for Ukraine’s scrap exports, with 22.16 thousand tons shipped. This represents a 51.8% increase from June 2023 and a 48.2% rise compared to May 2024. The month-over-month growth underscores the sector’s robust performance despite ongoing challenges.

Challenges Amidst Hostilities

The increase in scrap exports is noteworthy, given the significant difficulties in collecting scrap due to ongoing hostilities. Before the full-scale conflict, many scrap enterprises were located in temporarily occupied territories or active war zones. Despite these challenges, the sector has managed to sustain and grow its export volumes.

Conclusion

Ukraine’s scrap export sector’s performance in the first half of 2024 is a testament to its resilience and adaptability. The substantial increase in exports, particularly to Poland, Greece, and Germany, reflects the sector’s ability to navigate and overcome significant obstacles. As the year progresses, it will be interesting to see how the sector continues evolving and responding to market demands and geopolitical challenges.