Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

Global stainless steel production increased by 3% in 2025

Global stainless steel production in January-September this year increased by 3% compared to the same period last year, from 46.623 million tons to 48.020 million tons.

These figures are given in a press release from the International Stainless Steel Association (formerly the International Stainless Steel Forum, ISSF).

According to the information, in the third quarter of 2025, production reached 16.1 million tons, which is 2.3% more than in July-September 2024.

At the same time, stainless steel output in Europe decreased by 4.2% to 4.498 million tons during this period. In the US, production increased by 9.3% to 1.649 million tons.

In Asia (excluding China and South Korea), stainless steel production increased by 1.1% to 10.771 million tons, and in China, it increased by 4.7% to 30.453 million tons.

In other regions (Brazil, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, and Indonesia), production fell by 5.7% to 649,000 tons.

As reported, global stainless steel production in 2024 increased by 7% compared to 2023, to 62.621 million tons from 58.539 million tons, with production growing in all major regions.

At the same time, stainless steel production in Europe in 2024 increased by 1.5% to 6.088 million tons. In the US, production increased by 6.9% to 1.950 million tons. In Asia (excluding China and South Korea), stainless steel production increased by 6.4% to 7.322 million tons, and in China it grew by 7.5% to 39.441 million tons. In other regions (Brazil, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, and Indonesia), production increased by 9.2% to 7.820 million tons.

Global stainless steel production in 2023 increased by 4.6% compared to 2022, to 58.444 million tons. Overall, stainless steel production in Europe fell by 6.2% to 5.902 million tons this year, and in the US by 9.6% to 1.824 million tons. Meanwhile, in Asia (excluding China and South Korea), stainless steel production decreased by 7.2% to 6.880 million tons, while in China it increased by 12.6% to 36.676 million tons. Other regions (Brazil, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, and Indonesia) saw a 5.2% decline in production to 7.163 million tons.

Global stainless steel production in 2022 decreased by 5.2% compared to 2021, to 55.255 million tons. At the same time, production in Europe fell by 12.4% to 6.294 million tons, and in the US by 14.8% to 2.017 million tons. In Asia (excluding China and South Korea), stainless steel production decreased by 4.9% to 7.411 million tons, and in China by 2% to 31.975 million tons. Other regions saw a 9.1% decline in production to 7.557 million tons.

Earlier, the Experts Club information and analytical center released a video dedicated to global steel production and leading producing countries – https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VgUU9MEMosE

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Germany’s GDP remained unchanged in Q3

Germany’s GDP remained unchanged in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the previous three months, according to final data from the Federal Statistical Office.

This coincided with both the previously announced data and the consensus forecast of analysts surveyed by Trading Economics.

Germany’s economy grew by 0.3% year-on-year in the third quarter. This figure was also unchanged and in line with experts’ expectations.

“Weak exports had a dampening effect on economic activity in the third quarter, while capital expenditure increased slightly,” said Destatis President Ruth Brand.

Government spending in July-September remained unchanged from the previous three months, while capital expenditure rose by 0.3%. At the same time, consumer spending fell by 0.3%, the first decline in seven quarters.

Exports of goods and services fell by 0.7%, while imports remained unchanged.

In the second quarter, Germany’s GDP fell by 0.2% q/q and rose by 0.3% y/y.

Earlier, the Experts Club information and analytical center released a video analysis of global economic trends and the outlook for the world’s major economies until the end of 2025 – https://youtu.be/kQsH3lUvMKo?si=LnQWU3r2Kd5HesPh

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/germanys-gdp-remained-unchanged-in-the-third-quarter/

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UBS analysts expect copper prices to rise

UBS analysts expect copper prices to rise next year due to reduced supply amid ongoing mine disruptions.

In addition, the rise will be supported by high long-term demand associated with the transition to clean energy and increased investment in this area, the bank said in a statement.

UBS raised its copper price forecast for the end of the first quarter of 2026 by $750 to $11,500 per ton. Expectations for June and September were raised by $1,000 to $12,000 and $12,500 per ton, respectively. Experts also set a target level for December next year at $13,000 per ton.

Analysts now believe that the copper deficit in the global market this year will be about 230,000 tons, compared to the previously expected 53,000 tons, and in 2026 – 407,000 tons, compared to 87,000 tons. In their opinion, declining inventories and ongoing supply risks will keep the market tight.

Disruptions at mines this year, including production problems at Freeport-McMoRan’s Grasberg mine in Indonesia, slower recovery of production in Chile, and recurring protests in Peru, highlight structural supply constraints that are likely to persist until 2026, the bank said in a statement.

Freeport-McMoRan said it plans to resume production at the Grasberg copper and gold mine by July after operations were suspended two months ago due to a fatal accident.

UBS lowered its forecast for refined copper production growth to 1.2% in 2025 and 2.2% next year, citing deteriorating ore quality and operational problems. Analysts expect global demand for the metal to increase by 2.8% both this year and next due to the development of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, investments in power grids, and data centers.

The bank’s experts believe that any price decline will be short-lived and recommend maintaining long positions in copper.

Earlier, the Experts Club information and analytical center released a video dedicated to global copper production and leading producing countries – https://youtube.com/shorts/_h8iU50z8C0?si=a-XkgGEfeUxseQNa

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Ukraine increased steel production by 7.3% in October, ranking 21st in world

In October 2025, Ukrainian metallurgical companies increased steel production by 7.3% compared to October 2024, from 604,000 tons to 648,000 tons, but reduced it by 5.9% compared to September 2025 (689 thousand tons), according to data from the World Steel Association (Worldsteel).

According to the association’s report, Ukraine ranked 21st among 70 steel-producing countries in October.

In January-October 2025, Ukrainian steel companies produced 6.172 million tons of steel, which is 4.9% less than in the same period of 2024 (6.487 million tons). Ukraine ranks 22nd in the world in terms of this indicator.

In 2024, Ukraine produced 7.575 million tons of steel, increasing production by 21.6% compared to 2023 (6.228 million tons) and ranked 20th among 71 countries. In 2023, steel production in the country decreased by 0.6% compared to 2022, to 6.228 million tons, and Ukraine ranked 22nd in the global ranking.

At the end of 2022, Ukraine produced 6.263 million tons of steel, which is 70.7% less than in 2021, and ranked 23rd among 64 countries covered by Worldsteel.

Earlier, the Experts Club analytical center released a video analysis of the world’s leading steel producers from 2001 to 2024 – https://youtube.com/shorts/VgUU9MEMosE?si=c5yD04gmNtJoFblB

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In third quarter recorded decline in GDP of Mexico

Mexico’s economy contracted by 0.3% in the third quarter relative to the previous three months, according to final data from the country’s statistics office. The estimate matched preliminary data. Analysts on average also did not expect a revision, Trading Economics reported.

The downturn in the economy is being recorded for the first time since the fourth quarter of last year. Mexico’s GDP grew 0.6% in the second quarter.

Mexico’s economy contracted at an annualized rate of 0.1% in the third quarter. A contraction of 0.2% was previously reported.

The Experts Club analytical center has previously made a video analysis and forecast on the macroeconomy of Ukraine and major countries of the world.

https://youtu.be/kQsH3lUvMKo?si=1StxlkcIzQlpF0_q

 

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Analysis of Albania’s economy in 2025 – moderate growth, low inflation, and weak production

The Experts Club analytical center analyzed Albania’s economy for the first 10 months of 2025 and presented its analysis and forecast. Based on the results of the first ten months of 2025, Albania continues to have one of the highest growth rates in Europe, with low inflation, stable currency reserves, and continued growth in tourism, but it faces a slowdown in industrial output and an expanding trade deficit.

According to IMF mission estimates and national statistics, Albania’s real GDP grew by approximately 3.4–3.6% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, which is comparable to 2024 figures and above the European average. The main drivers of growth remain the service sector, construction, and tourism: foreign tourists alone spent around €2.1 billion in the country in the first six months, which is 7–8% more than a year earlier.

International institutions expect the economy to grow by around 3.4-3.7% by the end of the year: after its autumn mission, the IMF raised its forecast to 3.5% for 2025, while the World Bank and the EBRD also expect growth of over 3%.

Inflation in the country remains low and close to the target level. According to the IMF and national statistics, annual consumer price inflation in 2025 is around 2–2.3%.

The labor market situation is improving moderately. The unemployment rate in the second quarter of 2025 fell to 8.5%, which is significantly below the historical average (around 14%).

Industry remains the most vulnerable sector. According to estimates by research centers and statistics, industrial production in Albania in the first quarter of 2025 declined by approximately 2.1% compared to the same period in 2024, while in the second quarter the decline slowed to around 0.5%. Manufacturing output in June 2025 was 0.9% lower than a year ago. This reflects the problems of traditional export industries, primarily textiles and clothing, which are under pressure due to the strengthening of the national currency and demographic outflow.

The external sector remains a weak spot in the macroeconomy. According to Albanian think tanks and INSTAT, the trade deficit in goods widened to about 25.3% of GDP in the first half of 2025, despite high tourism revenues. Remittances from migrants grew by about 5% to €1.2 billion, remaining an important source of external revenue, while foreign direct investment stabilized at around €1.1 billion over the same period.

At the same time, external stability appears comfortable. According to Trading Economics, Albania’s international reserves reached $7.3 billion in September 2025. In its final Article IV statement, the IMF explicitly notes “strong reserves, declining public debt, and one of the highest growth rates in Europe” as a basis for further reforms and deeper integration with the EU.

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