Poland has called on the European Commission to intervene after Ukraine suddenly froze exports of ferrous scrap, alarming both the Polish government and the domestic steel industry and risking opening a new dispute between Warsaw and Kiev, according to Polish media reports.
As previously reported by SteelOrbis The Ukrainian government approved the decision to extend current restrictions on scrap exports until the end of 2026. The measure, introduced without a transition period, aims to protect strategic raw materials and ensure that scrap goes to Ukrainian steel and defense production rather than being exported.
Polish metallurgists face rising costs
The impact of this decision was particularly noticeable in Poland, which has been a major focus in recent years destination for Ukrainian scrap exports. About half of Polish steel production is based on electric arc furnaces, where scrap can account for up to 70 percent of total production costs.
Although Ukrainian scrap accounted for only about five percent of Poland's total scrap supply, its sudden removal from the market has already increased price volatility and forced mills to use alternative, more expensive materials. Scrap metal prices are currently estimated at around $200/t in Ukraine compared to $330/t in Poland, putting Polish producers at a distinct cost disadvantage.
Competitive concerns
