Ukraine increases purchases of telecom equipment: what is behind the jump in imports
12 February 17:41
Imports of electric telephone, telegraph, and videophone equipment to Ukraine in January 2026 increased by almost half compared to the same period last year. According to the State Customs Service, the volume of imports reached $177.8 million, which is 49.2% more than in January 2025.
These figures were reported by open4business, citing official customs statistics, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Who supplies the most
China remains the absolute leader, accounting for 58.1% of total imports, or $103.3 million. This is significantly more than in January last year, when Chinese exports amounted to about $65 million.
The top three suppliers in January 2026 also included:
- the United Kingdom — 9.2% ($16.3 million),
- the United States — 8.8% ($15.6 million).
For comparison, in January 2025, Vietnam and Taiwan were among the key partners besides China, but they lost their positions this time.
What is happening with exports
Against the backdrop of growing imports, exports of Ukrainian products remained virtually unchanged. In January, they amounted to $10.4 million, which is practically the same as in January 2025 ($10.5 million).
The main export destinations remain stable:
- Hungary — 65%,
- Poland — 22%,
- Taiwan — 6.8%.
A year ago, the structure was similar, although Spain was also among the export destinations at that time.
Longer trend: not just January
January’s growth is in line with the overall dynamics of 2025. At the end of the year, Ukraine imported $1.63 billion worth of telephone and telecommunications equipment, which is 29.5% more than in 2024.
More than half of this volume — $907.9 million — was again provided by China.
Possible reasons for growth
Officially, the reasons for the sharp jump in imports are not being commented on. At the same time, analysts point to several factors:
- gradual modernization of telecommunications infrastructure,
- replacement ofequipment destroyed or damaged as a result of the war,
- preparation for the phased rollback of older generation technologies, in particular 3G.
Earlier, the government decided to finally switch off third-generation mobile communications by December 31, 2030, which involves a transition to more modern technologies and corresponding equipment.
