Ukraine launches anti-dumping investigation into steel pipes imported from Türkiye
Ukraine, where steel product imports surged in double digits last year, is taking action to protect domestic producers. Türkiye is the leading supplier, with shipments of 630,000 tonnes of flat steel — up 19.4% year-on-year.
Ukraine is preparing to tighten trade defence measures against imports in order to protect its steel sector, which it is striving to keep alive under wartime conditions. While the Kyiv government is scrutinising steel pipe exports from Türkiye in particular, it has decided to extend anti-dumping measures on certain product groups and launch new investigations. These steps are being closely watched by the Turkish steel sector, which has become one of Ukraine's largest suppliers in recent years.
According to statements by Ukraine's Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksiy Sobolev, existing anti-dumping measures on steel bars imported from Belarus and Moldova have been extended for another five years. At the same time, new anti-dumping investigations are being launched for steel pipes imported from Türkiye and irrigation systems from certain countries. While Kyiv emphasises that these steps are being taken in compliance with World Trade Organisation rules, the implementation is expected to directly affect trade flows.
Strict measures on the China channel
The Ukrainian government announced that it had identified Chinese-origin metal products being channelled into the country via Malaysia, thereby circumventing existing duties. Following the detection of forgery in certificates of origin, it was announced that anti-dumping duties applied to China would now also apply to products originating from Malaysia. This development indicates that Ukraine has entered a more aggressive phase in its stance toward imports, while also signalling that Turkish products are coming under scrutiny due to their increasing volumes.
Imports surge in Ukraine — Türkiye ranks first
Rolled steel imports into Ukraine continued their strong growth in 2025. Flat rolled product imports rose 10.7% compared to 2024, reaching 1.09 million tonnes — exceeding the 1 million tonne threshold for the first time since the start of the war.
The most imported products were:
- Coated flat products (HS 7210): 532,800 tonnes
- Hot-rolled flat products (HS 7208): 344,300 tonnes
- Cold-rolled flat products (HS 7209): 105,430 tonnes
Türkiye is the clear leader in these products. Shipments from Türkiye reached 630,010 tonnes, a 19.4% year-on-year increase. China recorded 150,070 tonnes with a sharp 55.4% growth. By contrast, imports from Poland declined. Turkish and Chinese products are increasingly replacing European-origin products in the Ukrainian market.
Türkiye's dominance high in long products
Long product imports rose 58.6% year-on-year in 2025 to 272,610 tonnes. The largest share again went to Türkiye. Türkiye exported 154,400 tonnes, a 41.9% increase, while China achieved 60,660 tonnes with a 567% surge. Poland's exports fell 9.3% to 16,620 tonnes. This picture shows that Ukraine is becoming increasingly import-dependent in long products, but this dependency is also creating serious pressure on domestic producers.
Pipe imports declining
Pipe imports fell 13.5% year-on-year in 2025 to 87,020 tonnes. Although Türkiye remains the largest supplier, shipments dropped 24.9% to 39,070 tonnes. China and Poland were also among significant suppliers. However, Ukraine's decision to launch investigations specifically on pipe products poses new risks for Turkish exporters in this segment, despite the decline.
Ukraine is fully supporting its domestic producers
Ukraine's steel sector is producing under high energy costs, logistics problems, and increased security expenditures caused by the war. In contrast, imported products are entering the domestic market at lower costs, putting local production in a difficult position. The Kyiv government believes that unless imports are brought under control, capacity utilisation will decline, financial balance will deteriorate, and domestic industry will be sidelined during the post-war reconstruction process.
What does this mean for Turkish producers?
Ukraine is not merely an export market for Türkiye; it is seen as a strategic demand centre during the post-war reconstruction process. However, the increase in anti-dumping investigations signals that Turkish exports, which have been growing through price competition, may encounter legal and trade barriers. According to experts, Turkish steelmakers need to increase product-specific risk analysis in the Ukrainian market, closely monitor investigation processes, and revise their pricing strategies accordingly.