Metal imports will increase project costs and delivery schedules
Following the shutdown of two major Ukrainian rebar producers due to shelling, the market has begun shifting toward imported supplies. However, utilizing foreign reinforcement steel in domestic construction projects will require mandatory performance verification and documentation approval. This was reported by Metal citing NV Business, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
Kovalska industrial group notes that replacing domestic rebar with foreign products requires approval from the design organization to confirm equivalent characteristics. If the regulatory documents or material grades specified in the project differ from the proposed alternative, direct replacement becomes practically impossible.
Certification and quality standards
Oleksandr Siryk, CEO of the MCI consulting company in Germany, emphasizes the priority of foreign suppliers who already hold product conformity certificates for construction standards or can obtain them quickly. The procedure for checking characteristics and approving documentation adds significant time costs alongside longer delivery periods.
Financial risks for the industry
Increased logistics expenses and import reliance directly affect the cost of construction materials and final products. Depending on the product type, the share of rebar in Kovalska’s costs ranges from 5% to 55%, creating severe pressure on project budgets.
Impact on construction schedules
Industry experts warn that contractors working on public-funded projects may face cash gaps if material costs outpace estimated budgets. This can lead to delays in the manufacturing of reinforced concrete products and the execution of construction and installation works.
Market expectations and supplies
Despite administrative and financial hurdles, a complete disappearance of rebar or severe shortages on the Ukrainian market are not anticipated. The first tangible volumes of imported products are expected to arrive in late October and early November to help cover short-term deficits.
Illustrative photo: Viktor Mácha / CC BY-SA 4.0
Read also: Shutdown of Ukrainian Metallurgical Plants Caused by Russian Strikes Creates Steel Deficit
