Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
The shutdown of the maritime corridor has created serious risks for Ukrainian metallurgy, and without urgent decisions and access to European Union markets, some enterprises may go idle. This was stated by GMK Center chief analyst Andriy Tarasenko.
According to him, the sea route accounted for about 50% of Ukrainian steel exports, 95% of pig iron exports, and half of iron ore supplies.
“The shutdown of the sea route removes the main support for sales practically in one go. In 2026 year the situation is more difficult than in 2022, because alternative markets and routes are also narrowed,” Tarasenko noted.
The analyst recalled that in 2022 year the loss of maritime logistics was partly offset by the opening of the EU market, but now Ukrainian producers operate under new import quotas, which, according to GMK Center estimates, could reduce steel deliveries to the European Union by 60% compared with 2025 year.
The practical blockage of Ukrainian sea trading ports complicates raw material imports. After the loss of the Pokrovsk coal group, Ukrainian plants depend on coal supplies from the United States and Australia. Its transportation through European ports and railways can be twice as expensive and increase the final cost of Ukrainian products, Tarasenko said.
GMK Center estimated direct losses of metallurgy due to export cuts of $150–200 million per month.
According to GMK Center analysts, the industry is also expected to reduce production in the mining sector due to falling ore prices and export difficulties. Additional pressure comes from more expensive raw material imports, the CBAM, rising railway tariffs and electricity transmission costs, as noted in the material.
“Urgent decisions are needed to unblock maritime exports, review EU trade restrictions, and reduce domestic tariff burdens. Otherwise, the consequences for enterprises could be irreversible,” summarized GMK Center’s chief analyst.
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