DELFI<\/a>.<\/p>\nKYIVGUMA is one of the largest Ukrainian enterprises producing rubber products. During the war, the company increased exports and entered new niches, but at the same time faced accusations of collaboration with Russia. Delfi correspondent Roman Starapopov visited the plant and learned how KYIVGUMA copes with the challenges.<\/p>\n
KYIVGUMA specializes in the production of products made of rubber, silicone, PVC, plastic and natural latex. The company’s assortment includes more than 4000 items, including medical and technical products.<\/p>\n
The company, in particular, exports to Kazakhstan. When asked about the risk of re-export from Kazakhstan to Russia, the head of the sales department of KYIVGUMA Anton Vasylchenko answers: \u201cWe have strict contracts with all Kazakh counterparties. It states: no resale to countries under sanctions. And this is not only with them, but with everyone: Germany, Estonia, anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe contracts list all countries under sanctions, not just Russia,\u201d Vasylchenko explains the specifics of the supply conditions.<\/p>\n
Adapting to new realities during war<\/strong>
\nAccording to Vasylchenko, after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a lot has changed at KYIVGUMA: the range has become wider, and internal competition has become tougher. The company’s products have also become in demand where there was practically no demand before.<\/p>\n“Today, many enterprises are operating successfully because the structure of needs has changed. For example, one of our customers now takes five tons of products per month. Previously, it was two tons per year,” says a representative of KYIVGUMA.<\/p>\n
“Currently, our products are used to produce concrete structures for shelters. We make special formwork elements that are part of these technologies,” explains Vasylchenko.<\/p>\n
Products in case of a nuclear emergency?<\/strong>
\nIn addition to medicine, KYIVGUMA has expanded production in another sensitive area \u2013 personal protective equipment against chemical and radiation threats.<\/p>\nVasylchenko clarifies that even before the war, the company was experimenting with suits, gloves, and shoes \u2014 in the context of excursions to the Chernobyl exclusion zone. After February 24, 2022, this trend only intensified.<\/p>\n
Product demand<\/strong>
\nEven during the war, KYIVGUMA enterprise demonstrates growth \u2014 but behind this are not only billions in circulation, but also serious economic risks.<\/p>\n\u201cIn 2023, we sold products worth 1,5 billion UAH (31.9 million EUR). In 2024, it is 2,2 billion (46.8 million EUR). This is an increase of 44%,\u201d says Vasylchenko.<\/p>\n
He clarifies that along with the increase in turnover, tax deductions have also increased sharply: from 16 million UAH in 2023 to 83 million UAH in 2024.<\/p>\n
“Excuse me,” he pauses, “But it’s important to understand: our business is not high-margin. The main cost is imported raw materials, which we buy for foreign currency, and sell products in hryvnia.”<\/p>\n
“The exchange rate is jumping. It was 47 euros, it became 45, then it could become 52. We are losing money on this. It’s difficult because you can’t change the price every day.”<\/p>\n
Products<\/strong>
\nKYIVGUMA covers dozens of areas and industries: from rubber pads for rails to nasopharyngeal airways for tactical medicine.<\/p>\nProducts include dielectric gloves, shoes, window and transport seals, sleeper pads, pacifiers, bottles, and goods for export.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe even cooperate with an American company with Ukrainian roots that produces flippers,\u201d says Vasylchenko.<\/p>\n
Loss and adaptation<\/strong>
\nThe company has lost a significant part of the market within the country, especially in the occupied territories. Vasylchenko mentions such giants as Azovstal and Kryvyi Rih Steel Plant.<\/p>\nIt was these losses that became the impetus for entering foreign markets. The company participates in international exhibitions, establishes connections, but remains a high-risk supplier.<\/p>\n
Infrastructure and taxes<\/strong>
\nEven within Ukraine, there are enough challenges \u2014 especially in the railway infrastructure. \u201cThe trains are heavy. The track is wearing out. We need more pads and seals,\u201d he says.<\/p>\nWar throws up work. \u201cIt sounds terrible, but it\u2019s true. We\u2019d be better off making pacifiers. Now the demand for baby products has almost disappeared \u2013 the birth rate is falling.\u201d<\/p>\n
And yet the company remains a strong player. \u201cWe are second in the region in payroll tax and continue to pay income tax,\u201d Vasylchenko concludes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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