Key Points:
- Russian advance in eastern Ukraine threatens key Metinvest facilities.
- Loss of Avdiivka coal plant and proximity to Pokrovsk and Zaporizhzhia raise concerns.
- Metinvest CEO urges urgent approval of stalled US military aid.
- EU provides support, but US package remains delayed due to internal issues.
- Steel industry rebounds despite challenges, aiming for capacity recovery.
Challenges:
- Russian military advancements threaten crucial steel and coal infrastructure.
- Delays in US military aid hinder Ukrainian defense efforts.
Positive Developments:
- Reopening of sea routes facilitates industry rebound.
- Capacity utilization of ports nears pre-war levels.
- Metinvest’s iron ore and steel plants aim for significant capacity recovery.
Overall, the Ukrainian steel industry navigates a complex situation, facing threats from the ongoing conflict while demonstrating resilience and aiming for recovery.