Consumption of steel structures in Ukraine could rise by 10% in 2026 — UCSB

Around 70% of orders currently relate to the protection of critical infrastructure

Apparent consumption of steel structures in Ukraine in 2026 could rise by 10% compared with 2025 — to 117,000 tonnes. This was reported by UAprom, citing a statement made by Anna Gontarenko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Centre for Steel Construction (UCSC), during her speech at the Coatings-UA for industries 2026 conference.

“If we look at the consumption of rolled steel products in the first half of the year, these forecasts are proving accurate, as we are seeing growth of 10–12% compared with the first half of 2025,” said Anna Gontarenko.

For example, in January–June 2025, the market capacity for steel structures stood at 38.6 thousand tonnes, whilst in the first six months of 2026 it rose to 44.4 thousand tonnes.

In 2026, flat-rolled products (sheets, strips, coils) will account for 50% of rolled steel consumption in the steel construction sector. Pipes (seamless and welded) will account for 26%, whilst shaped sections (beams, channels, angles) will account for 23%.

‘In previous years, we consumed more flat-rolled steel; its share has fallen by 5%. At the same time, this year we are using more pipes, so demand has shifted slightly towards pipe products (+5% year-on-year). We attribute this to the use of steel pipes specifically in structures designed to protect against FPV drones,” said the executive director of the Ukrainian Steel and Metalworking Centre.

Overall, according to the UCSB, around 70% of the orders currently received by steel structure manufacturers in Ukraine relate to the protection of critical infrastructure. Until 2021, the commercial sector dominated the order book, whereas now 60–70% of orders come from state bodies. As a specialist organisation, the UCSB also receives enquiries regarding cost estimates and the technical details of constructing protective structures, particularly from regional reconstruction services.

In the commercial sector, the agricultural sector is showing stable demand. Demand for warehouse property, particularly underground facilities, is also expected to rise by the end of the year; however, these are high-cost solutions.

“Many clients are now reconsidering their views on which materials to use for reconstruction and new builds (warehouses — ed.), given the incidents of direct hits and fires,” said Anna Gontarenko.

She added that, under such circumstances, one can highlight the advantages of a steel-frame structure: ‘It is a structure that can be further reinforced and, if necessary, renovated.’

As reported by GMK Center, apparent consumption of steel structures for 2025 increased by 19% – to 108,000 tonnes, which is approximately one-third less than in 2021, before the war.