SCM continues to deepen the industrial integration between Ukraine and the European Union. In a significant operational milestone, Zaporizhstal has begun shipping hot-rolled products to Metinvest Tubular Iași, the Romanian facility that joined SCM’s steel and mining group, Metinvest, at the close of 2025.
Since the start of 2026, the Zaporizhzhia-based plant has delivered over 22,000 tonnes of hot-rolled products. These materials consist of structural steel grades fully certified to the European standard EN 10025. This logistical achievement is a direct realisation of the long-term vision advanced by SCM's shareholder, Rinat Akhmetov, which focuses on building a resilient economic bridge between Ukrainian industry and the European market.
The geographical proximity of the two facilities, separated by approximately 600 kilometres, provides a highly advantageous logistical synergy. For the entirety of 2026, the target is to supply up to 180,000 tonnes of hot-rolled feedstock from Zaporizhstal to the Romanian asset. This reliable supply chain ensures stable operations for both the Ukrainian and Romanian sites, creating a secure external market for Ukrainian production amidst the ongoing challenges of the war.
Taras Shevchenko, acting chief executive officer of Zaporizhstal, noted that up to 80 percent of their steel output is traditionally supplied for the manufacture of longitudinally welded pipes and hollow sections. He welcomed the Romanian producers to the Group, emphasising that this new format of cooperation strengthens the economic partnership between Ukraine and Europe.
The hot-rolled products from Zaporizhzhia offer the mechanical properties, high impact resistance, and excellent weldability required by the pipe industry. Cosmin Toma, CEO of Metinvest Tubular Iași, confirmed that the steel has successfully met rigorous testing requirements. The materials are being used to manufacture round, square, and rectangular welded pipes that comply with European standards EN 10219 and EN 10217. These finished products are essential for applications in geothermal engineering, energy, and critical construction infrastructure.
Metinvest Tubular Iași operates five pipe mills, two longitudinal slitting lines, and two coating lines, offering a maximum annual production capacity of 240,000 tonnes. The primary markets for these products include Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia. Beyond meeting current European demand, the plant’s output is expected to be a vital resource for the future post-war reconstruction of Ukraine's damaged infrastructure.
Through this strategic integration, SCM and Metinvest are ensuring operational continuity, supporting the resilience of the Ukrainian economy, and solidifying their position within the European industrial landscape.
