Polish metallurgical plants fear competition with Ukraine and demand that the domestic market be protected from Ukrainian steel. Polish steel manufacturers hope that Ukraine’s output will mainly be used in the domestic market for reconstruction for many years to come. Otherwise, Poland fears that more and more Ukrainian steel will enter its market, and it will be difficult for their metallurgists to compete against lower prices.
In the first seven months of 2024, the import of finished metal products from Ukraine to Poland amounted to 627,000 tons (+56% year-on-year). Import growth was recorded in all main product groups and was especially large (+65%) in rolled products, the production of which prevails in Poland. The increase in Ukrainian imports is also noticeable in the flat-rolled and semi-finished product segment.
In response, Polish metallurgists have called on the government to take measures within the EU that will review market access for Ukrainian companies. Moreover, Ukrainian steel producers’ investments in factory renewal could significantly impact Polish metallurgy, which is facing a massive problem with decarbonization.