The US continues to occupy a leading position among buyers of Ukrainian recycled pig iron: in the first half of 2025, the US market accounted for more than 77% of foreign exchange earnings from exports of this product.
According to data from the State Customs Service, Ukraine increased its pig iron exports by 47.5% in volume terms in January–June, to 883,200 tons, compared with 598,900 tons in the same period of 2024. In monetary terms, exports grew by 54.6% to $349.4 million.
The main destinations for exports in the first half of the year were:
The US — 77.36% of export revenue;
Italy — 11.96%;
Turkey — 4.91%.
Earlier, on March 12, 2025, the administration of US President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Ukrainian metal products, with the exception of cast iron. This allowed Ukrainian exporters to maintain their competitive position in the US market and, as statistics show, increase supplies.
At the end of 2024, Ukraine exported 1.29 million tons of processed cast iron worth $500.3 million, of which 72.6% went to the US. Thus, in 2025, the US not only retained its status as a key trading partner in this segment, but also strengthened its importance for the Ukrainian metallurgical sector.
Traders’ confidence that Trump will not follow through on his threats to impose tariffs pushed the London Stock Exchange index to 8,979 points
The FTSE 100 index, which includes the most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange, rose to a record high as investors shrugged off concerns about Donald Trump’s trade wars.
On Thursday, the FTSE 100 index approached the 9,000 mark, rising to 8,979 points, exceeding its previous record of 8,908 points.
Shares in London rose amid a global rally as traders became confident that Trump would either reach agreements with US trading partners or again delay or cancel the threat of tariffs.
Mining companies led the FTSE 100 gains, with Anglo American, Glencore and Rio Tinto rose by around 3.8%.
Victoria Skolar, head of investment at Interactive Investor, said: “Commodities are driving the FTSE 100 higher, with copper in positive territory and gold rising on a weaker US dollar.”
The FTSE 100 ended the day at a new record high of 8,975 points, up 108.6 points, or 1.23%, on the day.
The blue-chip index has risen more than 9% in 2025, recovering from sharp losses in early April when markets slumped after Trump announced new tariffs as part of his so-called “freedom day,” then rebounded after he delayed their implementation.
Precious metals producer Fresnillo has been the FTSE 100’s top performer this year, with its shares rising 140% since January 1 amid rising gold and silver prices.
Shares in British defense company Babcock have doubled this year, while arms manufacturer BAE Systems’ shares have risen 63% since the start of the year on expectations of increased defense spending amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Shares rose this week despite Trump’s announcement of new import tariffs from August 1, which were postponed from July 9.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said investors were in an “euphoric summer mood.”
“Perhaps most notable is the market’s apparent indifference to escalating trade tensions. Trump’s 50% tariff on copper imports and threats against Brazil have elicited a muted response. Many now view such statements as political posturing, which Taco summed up as: Trump always backs down,” he said.
The German DAX index also hit a record high on Thursday. It has risen more than 23% since the start of the year thanks to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s plans to increase government spending to stimulate investment and economic growth.
The FTSE 100 is considered an indicator of optimism about the global economy, as many of the largest companies listed in London are globally oriented.
Suzanne Stritter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “The FTSE 100 is full of multinational companies that are sensitive to the outlook for the global economy. With so-called ‘Taco trade’ in full swing, it is benefiting from more optimistic sentiment.”
She added: “Investors expect Trump to ‘back down’ and not follow through on his threats.”
The Ocean Mall in Kyiv is planning to open a branded showroom of De’Longhi, Kenwood, Braun, Nutribullet household appliances and health and beauty products, the company’s press service reports.
According to the press release, the functional location of the new showroom with an area of more than 100 square meters will offer customers a carefully selected range of branded products: coffee machines, kettles, coffee makers, kitchen appliances, blenders, epilators, razors, electronic toothbrushes, etc. It is noted that the showroom format allows you to combine the benefits of online and offline shopping and provide a more personalized service, test selected products, and get exclusive positions. Even more products can be ordered on the company’s branded websites and picked up with free delivery in the store.
This is the third offline store of the chain in the capital: The first one opened in 2017 and became the first showroom-style retail space in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
Ocean Mall is a retail resort format shopping center. The total area is 300 thousand square meters, with a parking lot for 4 thousand cars. The mall will combine 800 shops and 50 restaurants. Among the largest tenants are Silpo grocery supermarket, flagship stores of the world’s largest retailers in the segments of fashion, sports, and home furnishings. More than 30 thousand square meters in Ocean Mall are dedicated to entertainment, including the Galaxy amusement park for the whole family and a seven-screen multiplex cinema.
JSC OTP BANK offers favorable financing conditions for those who want to drive a modern and reliable used electric car as soon as possible without overpaying for a loan. The reduced interest rate is a strong argument in favor of purchasing an eco-friendly car with the support of the Bank, said Vitaliy Skorobohatyi, Head of Car Lending Development Department of OTP Bank.
“An electric car on credit is not only about the opportunity to become the owner of a car today and about comfort, but also about a profitable investment in the future. At OTP BANK, we have created conditions that really help our customers make this choice easier: a reduced interest rate, a minimum down payment, no requirements for hull insurance and car age. This means that you can buy an electric car quickly and without hidden overpayments. We are happy to support customers who choose environmentally friendly solutions,” said V. Skorobohatyi.
Terms of lending for used electric cars at OTP BANK:
Buying an electric car is not only about caring for the environment and sustainable development, but also about a number of benefits for the owner. Such cars combine modern technological solutions that make driving comfortable, convenient, and much quieter than traditional cars. It also saves on fuel and car maintenance.
How can I quickly find out my loan amount?
You can calculate the preliminary amount of financing in just one minute using a convenient bot or calculator on the OTP BANK website. The Bank’s specialists will provide detailed advice on the loan and help you choose the optimal term and amount of monthly payments.
The client receives the final decision of the Bank on the possibility of financing and the transfer of funds for the car within one day.
We would like to remind you that OTP BANK offers from UAH 10,000 to UAH 1,000,000 loan for any used car. It is also possible to become the owner of a new car from a car dealership with the support of the Bank. The motorcycle season is in full swing, so the financial institution has prepared favorable conditions for those customers who are interested in buying a motorcycle on credit.
Bitcoin: a new high and institutional growth
Ethereum and altcoins
Overall trend: the bull market continues
Forecasts for July 2025
Source: https://www.fixygen.ua/news/20250710/oglyad-lipnevih-trendiv-na-rinku-kriptovalyut-vid-fixygen.html
Ukrzaliznytsia JSC (UZ) paid the coupon payment on its 2026 Eurobonds due on July 9 in full and on time, said Oleksandr Pertsovsky, Chairman of the Board of the company.
On the sidelines of the panel discussion “No Security – No Recovery” organized by the Pinchuk Foundation and YES on the sidelines of URC2025, he emphasized that the company was fulfilling its obligations despite the deterioration in liquidity.
The day before, UZ announced that it would pay coupons due on July 9 and 15 on its Eurobonds maturing in 2026 and 2028, respectively, although in Q1 2025, EBITDA reached negative territory due to a drop in cargo volumes (-17% year-on-year compared to Q1 2024) and a rapid increase in operating expenses.
“Since the beginning of the year, available cash has decreased significantly, increasing the need for financing from international financial institutions to cover critical capital investments and liquidity needs during the ongoing war,” the press service said.
“Without such support from strategic partners, the company would likely not have been able to fulfill its financial obligations to Eurobond holders,” the press release said.
In addition, it was noted that Ukrzaliznytsia has engaged a financial advisor and is seeking a solution to its Eurobonds through negotiations with the Eurobond holders in order to achieve appropriate debt relief and mitigate liquidity challenges in the coming years.
In January 2025, Ukrzaliznytsia capitalized the postponed coupon payments on the 8.25% Eurobonds 2026 in the amount of $108.28 million and the 7.875% Eurobonds 2028 in the amount of $51.9 million as a result of the restructuring in 2022.
