As reported by Open4Business, the Ukrainian industry of insulated wires and cables continues to be one of the industry segments with a significant positive foreign trade balance.
In in January-September 2026, Ukraine exported such products for $1.065 billion, while imports amounted to $540.7 million. Thus, the positive trade balance reached approximately $524.3 million.
Exports exceeded imports by almost two times, which is noticeably different from the general structure of Ukraine's foreign trade, where in recent years the import of goods significantly exceeds exports.
However, the dynamics indicate a gradual reduction of this advantage.
Export of wires and cables for nine months practically did not change compared to last year, while imports increased immediately by 22.7%. According to calculations, in January-September 2025, imports amounted to about $441 million, and the positive balance was about $624 million.
Thus, during the year, the trade surplus of wires and cables decreased by about $100 million, or by 16%.
The main export market for Ukraine remains the European Union. Only Germany, Poland and Hungary bought Ukrainian products worth almost $698 million, providing about two-thirds of all exports. At the same time, the structure of imports is becoming more Asian. China increased supplies by approximately 70% — to $157 million — and took first place among suppliers, ahead of Hungary and Poland.
As a result, a double trend is forming: Ukraine continues to be a major supplier of cable products for the European industry, but at the same time it is rapidly increasing purchases of certain types of wires, cables and electrical components abroad.
According to the results of 2025, the export of cable products production was $1.41 billion, and imports were $590.7 million, i.e., the annual surplus exceeded $819 million.
Maintaining a significant positive balance makes the production of wires and cables one of the interesting examples of the Ukrainian processing industry deeply integrated into European production chains. At the same time, further dynamics will depend on the state of the European auto industry, energy construction and the ability of Ukrainian enterprises to maintain production in wartime conditions.
Source: State Customs Service of Ukraine, foreign trade statistics for January-September 2026.
State Customs Statistics
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Economy
Over half a billion dollars in surplus - Ukraine maintains its position in the wire and cable market, although imports are catching up with exports
Editorial team•
