China has emerged as Ukraine's leading supplier of electrical components, accounting for over 85% of imports in 2025, as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. This shift signals growing Chinese influence in critical supply chains for transformers, inductors, and chokes used in substations, which are vital for Ukraine's power grid repairs and upgrades. Overseas chemical and industrial buyers should monitor this trend for potential impacts on related raw material and logistics flows.
Import surge and China's dominance
Ukraine's imports of electrical components surged 88% year-on-year in 2025, reaching €947 million, according to Interfax-Ukraine citing state customs data. Chinese supplies alone totaled €809 million, or 85.6% of the total, up from 67.5% (€339 million) in 2024. Key imported items include transformers, inductors, and chokes primarily used in substations.
Other supplier sources
In 2025, Ukraine also sourced transformers from Germany (€39 million) and Turkey (€17 million). Meanwhile, Ukraine exported electrical components worth about €29 million, mainly to Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia.
Historical context and war impact
Ukraine's electrical component imports had already more than doubled in 2024 versus 2023, reaching €504 million, with Chinese deliveries growing 2.5 times to €339 million. Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure during its nearly four-year war, with attacks expanding significantly in 2025. Since early October, Russia struck 11 hydroelectric plants, 45 major power and thermal plants, 49 heating-only plants, and 151 substations, Ukraine's SBU reported.
What buyers should watch
Ukraine's state grid operator Ukrenergo has encased half of its transformers in concrete protective shells as of December 2025, with plans to complete protection for remaining units by summer 2026. This defensive build-up may sustain demand for electrical components and related chemicals such as insulating oils, resins, and coatings. Importers and distributors of specialty chemicals used in transformer manufacturing and maintenance should track procurement patterns from China and alternative sources.
China sourcing context
China's growing share in Ukraine's electrical component imports—from 67.5% to 85.6% in one year—underscores its role as a critical supplier in conflict-affected markets. For chemical supply-chain players, this trend may influence logistics routes, payment terms, and regulatory compliance for cross-border trade involving dual-use or sensitive materials.
Source: Read the original report | Published: January 24, 2026