ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih steelworks has suspended part of its production due to logistical issues
ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine’s largest steelworks, has announced the shutdown of part of its production facilities.
The company explained that this was due to systematic disruptions in the supply of fluxes, particularly limestone, as well as a lack of wagons for shipping products. Consequently, the plant has shut down one of its two blast furnaces, two sintering machines and one ore processing plant, and has completely halted ore extraction in its mining department.
The company noted that if the supply of raw materials is not restored within a few days, the second blast furnace, other sintering machines and another ore processing plant may also be shut down.
Mauro Longobardo, CEO of ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, stated that this new problem could prove critical for the company, which has been operating at a loss for four years. He also noted that the situation is being affected by high electricity tariffs, the introduction of the CBAM and competition from imports.
The plant expects Ukrzaliznytsia to take immediate action to stabilise supplies and restore predictability in logistics.
Ukrzaliznytsia later issued a statement in response, describing the company’s actions as blackmail. The company noted that ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih had refused to join a pilot project to strengthen air defence and electronic warfare capabilities to protect freight stations and trains.
Ukrzaliznytsia stated that other steelworks had invested over 175 million hryvnias in these measures, whilst the plant reported that it was ensuring security independently.
The company proposed putting an end to the public exchange of accusations and returning to working-level cooperation. Ukrzaliznytsia also expressed its readiness to hold a meeting in Kryvyi Rih to agree on security protocols and restore stable logistics.
Earlier, Mauro Longobardo stated that the first quarter of 2026 had been difficult for the plant due to a combination of negative factors. Among these, he cited Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, high electricity prices and the introduction of the CBAM in the European Union.
The plant’s losses are being covered by its parent company, ArcelorMittal. In January, the company closed one of its rolling mills, and in February, its foundry and mechanical plant.
