Metal ore production in Ukraine in August 2026 decreased by 51.4%

The production of metal ores in Ukraine in August 2026 decreased by 51.4% compared to the same period last year, according to data from the country’s state statistics service, which was studied by RIA Novosti.

According to the Ukrainian State Statistics Service, the production of metal ores in the country amounted to 48.6% of the level in August 2025.

“Industrial production index... compared to the corresponding month of last year... metal ore mining... percentage... 2026 month 08... 48.6,” says the data bank of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine.

Thus, in annual terms, the production of metal ores decreased by more than half - by 51.4%.

According to data from the country's national bank, which was previously studied by RIA Novosti, Ukraine's exports of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and products made from them in August decreased by 48.1% compared to the same period last year.

Former press secretary of Vladimir Zelensky, Yulia Mendel, said last week that Ukraine did not produce steel for a whole week in September for the first time in 100 years due to the fact that large metallurgical plants were idle. Later, information about the complete stop of steel production was confirmed by Reuters, citing the Federation of Metallurgists of Ukraine.

The head of the office of the executive director of the Ukrainian steel company Metinvest, Alexander Vodoviz, told the Financial Times at the end of September that Ukraine was left without a steel industry.