EU restricts Ukrainian steel exports

The mining and metallurgical complex of Ukraine is under severe pressure from protectionist measures from the United States and the EU.


Ukraine is a metallurgical exporter of about 85% of all manufactured metal products, and only 15% is supplied to the domestic market. Most countries give preference to the domestic market and feel much calmer in this regard. Therefore, the Ukrainian metallurgical industry is always more sensitive to all protectionist measures of the importing countries.


Any loss or restriction of markets affects the Ukrainian economy, as it is one of the main sources of foreign exchange earnings.


American tariffs have become the reason that other major countries have begun investigations, primarily the European Union, Turkey, and it is possible that some of the Middle Eastern countries will also be among them.


The fact is that Ukraine supplies to the United States only 1.5% of its metal products and about 13% of pipes. Whereas, to the countries of Europe and Turkey about 65% of its products (EU - up to 35%, Turkey and European countries that are not EU members - 14%, the Persian Gulf countries - 12%). They pose a threat to the Ukrainian export of rolled steel as a result of the introduction of the American 25% duty. The EU countries and Turkey will redirect their imports to other foreign markets, which will lead to a significant increase in competition and a decrease in the stability of the presence of Ukrainian exporters in them.

The European Commission has introduced a preliminary general quota for all countries without exception that will supply their products to the EU. When a quota is selected, all subsequent shipments of steel products are subject to a 25% duty. This applies to 11 types of metal products from Ukraine.