The Ukrainian insulated wire and cable manufacturing sector continues to be one of the industrial segments with a significant trade surplus.
In January–September 2026, Ukraine exported these products worth $1.065 billion, while imports totaled $540.7 million. Thus, the trade surplus reached approximately $524.3 million.
Exports exceeded imports by nearly two to one, which stands in stark contrast to the overall structure of Ukraine’s foreign trade, where imports of goods have significantly exceeded exports in recent years.
However, the trend indicates a gradual narrowing of this surplus.
Exports of wires and cables over the nine-month period remained virtually unchanged compared to last year, while imports rose by 22.7%. According to estimates, imports in January–September 2025 totaled about $441 million, and the trade surplus was approximately $624 million.
Thus, over the year, the trade surplus in wires and cables decreased by approximately $100 million, or 16%.
The European Union remains Ukraine’s main export market. Germany, Poland, and Hungary alone purchased nearly $698 million worth of Ukrainian products, accounting for about two-thirds of total exports.
At the same time, the structure of imports is becoming more Asian-oriented. China increased its shipments by approximately 70%—to $157 million—and took first place among suppliers, ahead of Hungary and Poland.
As a result, a dual trend is emerging: Ukraine continues to be a major supplier of cable products to European industry, but at the same time is rapidly increasing its purchases of certain types of wires, cables, and electrical components from abroad.
By the end of 2025, exports of cable products totaled $1.41 billion, while imports amounted to $590.7 million, meaning the annual surplus exceeded $819 million.
The sustained significant trade surplus makes the production of wires and cables one of the most interesting examples of the Ukrainian manufacturing industry, which is deeply integrated into European production chains. That said, future trends will depend on the state of the European automotive industry, energy infrastructure development, and the ability of Ukrainian companies to maintain production amid the war.
Source: State Customs Service of Ukraine, foreign trade statistics for January–September 2026.
State Customs Service Statistics
