Ukrainian iron ore producers reduced their export volumes by 11.9% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Over six months, 16.14 million tons of product were shipped abroad. Last year, after the resumption of navigation in the ports, iron ore became the most exported raw material, but this year it has lost its leading position, dropping out of the top three main export goods of the country.
This is reported by Business • Media
Share of Iron Ore in Exports and Reasons for the Decline
Despite the reduction in shipments, iron ore remains strategically important for the economy: it accounts for 6.35% of total domestic goods exports. According to experts, the main factor behind the decline in Ukrainian iron ore exports has been the slowdown in the global economy.
Factors Affecting Competitiveness
In addition to global trends, Ukrainian mining and processing plants are facing a number of internal issues. Among the key challenges, experts highlight significant additional costs typical of wartime. Enterprises are forced to pay increased tariffs from state monopolies, high prices for imported energy, cope with a shortage of skilled labor, and also bear direct losses from shelling by the Russian Federation.
Nevertheless, the contribution of mining and processing plants to strengthening the country’s balance of payments remains significant: the share of iron ore in the total volume of domestic goods exports is 6.35%.