Import substitution of metallurgical and machine-building equipment in Russia

Until 2022, Russia was heavily reliant on Europe for supplies of metallurgical and machine-building equipment. In 2021, Russian enterprises purchased approximately $1 billion worth of such equipment, including $700 million from EU suppliers.

The main suppliers of metallurgical equipment were SMS Group (Germany), Danieli (Italy) and Primetals Technologies (headquartered in London).

In 2022, a shift in trend was observed. In light of the recent trade restrictions, European firms have almost completely ceased cooperation with Russian metallurgical enterprises. These enterprises are now looking to explore new opportunities in China. Concurrently, the nation's leadership has mandated the acceleration of the import substitution process with the objective of reducing reliance on foreign equipment supplies.

At the same time, the import substitution process has not been properly developed. According to the results of 2024, Russian enterprises purchased metallurgical and machine-building equipment worth approximately $2.9 billion, including approximately $2.7 billion from China. A situation has arisen in which reliance on the EU has been superseded by reliance on China.

At the same time, the import substitution process has not been properly developed. According to the results of 2024, Russian enterprises purchased metallurgical and machine-building equipment worth approximately $2.9 billion, including approximately $2.7 billion from China. A situation has arisen in which reliance on the EU has been superseded by reliance on China.

In the current situation, TSNIIchermet implements engineering projects aimed at import substitution of metallurgical equipment for Russian enterprises. The Institute has successfully implemented over 30 engineering projects, involving over 100 specialists, including those from its regional branches.

In particular, TsNIIchermet developed the project's basic and detailed engineering, with a view to increasing its productivity and enabling the production of continuously cast billets of new formats.

A similarly substantial project was the construction of a new VRS-125 railcar dumper for NLMK, which was carried out in cooperation with the company's machine-building complex. The objectives of the project were twofold: firstly, to improve the life cycle of steel structures, and secondly, to increase the safety of unloaded gondola cars.

In addition, in 2021, technical specifications were developed for the design of a new complex for the production of high-quality flat-rolled products from stainless steels for the Russian Stainless Company project. Basic technical requirements for the technological process and equipment were also developed.

A significant milestone was achieved with the design and construction of a foundry-forging shop with a capacity of 25,000 tons per year for MMK's mechanical repair complex. This project is of significant importance and is essential for supplying Russian metallurgical enterprises with forged working and support rolls for hot and cold rolling mills, as well as large-size forgings.

The 15th International Exhibition of Equipment and Technologies for Metallurgy and Metalworking MetallurgMash'2025 will be held on November 11-14, 2025 in St. Petersburg (ExpoForum).