Ukraine expected to increase scrap metal collection by 20-25% in 2023, quadruple exports - draft balance

MOSCOW. Sept 7 (Interfax) - Ukrainian scrap metal dealers are expected to increase scrap collection by 20-25% to 1.2 million-1.25 million tonnes in 2023.

This projection is included in the draft balance of scrap supply and demand in the country in 2023 that was recommended for approval by a working group under the Strategic Industries Ministry, Ukrainian media reported, citing a statement scrap industry association UAVtormet posted on Telegram.

The draft forecast that Ukraine will produce 5.2 million-5.6 million tonnes of steel this year, down from 6.263 million tonnes in 2022, and collect 1.2 million-1.25 million tonnes of scrap, up from 997,000 tonnes. Domestic steel mills are expected to use 0.95 million-1 million tonnes of scrap this year, up from 896,000 in 2022, and scrap exports are forecast to surge by 240-270% to 180,000-200,000 tonnes from 53,600 tonnes.

The meeting of the working group, chaired by First Deputy Strategic Industries Minister Oleg Mozhny, was attended by representatives of UAVtormet, UAVtormetresurs, steel industry association Ukrmetallurgprom, the Foundry Association of Ukraine and industry experts and academics.