Quick summary
According to the State Customs Service, in January 2026 Ukraine imported batteries worth more than UAH 10.4 billion. In monetary terms this is about UAH 6.5 billion more than in January 2025; by weight — 13,600 tonnes versus 6,500 tonnes a year earlier, i.e. an increase of 109%.
"In January 2026, 13,600 tonnes of electric batteries were imported into Ukraine, more than double (by 109%) the figure for January of the previous year, when it amounted to 6,500 tonnes."
— State Customs Service
Main sources of supply
China dominates — about 91% of imports by value, or roughly UAH 9.5 billion. Next are the United States (~UAH 160 million, 1.51%) and Poland (~UAH 155 million, 1.49%). At the same time, the state budget received UAH 316.8 million in customs payments for those battery consignments that are not subject to preferential importation.
Why the increase happened now
A combination of factors explains the surge in demand. First, winter and massive missile strikes have led to frequent power outages — prompting purchases of backup power supplies for households, businesses and critical infrastructure. Second, the cold and the need for autonomous solutions for logistics and communications have increased the demand for batteries of various uses.
Consequences and risks
The prevalence of Chinese supplies creates logistical and strategic vulnerability: in a crisis, dependence on a single market makes rapid diversification difficult. At the same time, high imports are a signal of demand that opens opportunities for the development of domestic production and local supply chains.
What this means for the budget and the industry
Customs revenues of UAH 316.8 million are a helpful but temporary effect. For stable energy security and reduced import vulnerability, investments are needed in production, servicing infrastructure and incentive policies. Experts note that this impulse can be used as the start of broader industrialization in the battery sector.
Conclusion
The doubling of battery imports is both a response to urgent needs for energy stability and a wake-up call for the need for long-term solutions. Whether the state and businesses can turn this demand into local production and diversified supplies is the key question for the coming years.
