Last year, the Ukrainian coated metal market showed positive dynamics, as evidenced by a significant increase in consumption volume. According to Metipol, in 2023, the apparent consumption of coated metal in Ukraine reached 277 thousand tons, which is 82% more compared to 2022.
This result corresponds to the 2016 levels, when the consumption of polymer-coated metal was below 300 thousand tons. For comparison, during the peak year of 2020, 362 thousand tons of this material were sold.
Share of Ukrainian Manufacturers
The share of domestic manufacturers in the market has been growing over the past three years: 13.2% in 2021, 19.6% in 2022, and 21.4% in 2023.
Foreign Suppliers
Supplies from China increased, indicating an effort to reduce production costs. At the same time, higher-quality but more expensive steel from Europe lost its leading position.
Turkish steel accounted for 4.2% of the market, which is half the share of 2022, but the absolute supply volume remained at 12 thousand tons.
Imports from South Korea grew 2.5 times, reaching a 3.7% market share, while India tripled its share, although it remained at 1.3%.
New market players—Vietnam and Malaysia—made trial shipments, which did not significantly impact the market.
Chinese products saw an 87% increase compared to the challenging 2022, but the anti-dumping duties imposed in September 2023 significantly restricted import volumes in the fourth quarter.
Quality Challenges
Despite its affordable price, the quality of Chinese products often fails to meet standards. Zinc content in tested samples ranged from 11 g to 58 g per m², making this material unsuitable for construction.
Investments in Quality
“Arcelor Mittal Poland” investing 100 million zlotys ($25.2 million USD) in the modernization of production facilities.
The new Optigal coating, based on zinc, magnesium, and aluminum, provides better corrosion resistance while reducing zinc consumption. This solution is expected to become popular for modern construction projects.
