The European Business Association called for maintaining a zero quota for the export of ferrous scrap, which would effectively mean a ban on its export in 2027. If the restrictions are revised, the business proposes to set an export duty of EUR180 per ton for all supply lines, taking into account Ukraine's international obligations.
The association believes that recycling scrap metal within the country creates added value, supports employment and tax revenues, and provides raw materials for the production of steel and finished metal products. In addition, the use of scrap helps to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions during steel production, which is especially important against the background of the CBAM mechanism in the EU.
According to the EBA, a corresponding appeal was sent to the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ministry of Economy.
In recent months, after the shutdown of most Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises due to massive Russian shelling, scrap harvesting companies have called on the authorities to reconsider export restrictions. Earlier, the suppliers advocated the lifting of the de facto ban on the export of scrap from Ukraine and the introduction of a quota for the supply of this raw material to EU countries in the amount of 200 thousand tons per year.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has established a zero quota for scrap metal exports since January 1, 2026, in order to provide Ukrainian enterprises with raw materials.
The EBA also noted that by the end of 2025, exports of ferrous scrap from Ukraine increased by 53% compared to 2024 and reached 448.68 thousand tons. According to business, the easing of existing restrictions may lead to a further increase in exports and a shortage of raw materials for Ukrainian producers.
According to "UAUthormet", in 8 months of 2026, 4.3 million tons of steel were produced in Ukraine compared to 7.41 million tons a year earlier. 925.4 thousand tons of scrap were delivered to metallurgical plants against 1.56 million tons, and scrap harvesting amounted to 971.7 thousand tons against 2.11 million tons.
In the preliminary forecast for 2026, the industry expects the production of 6.4–6.5 million tons of steel, the supply of scrap to steel mills at the level of 1.2–1.25 million tons and the procurement of scrap in the amount of 1.22–1.25 million tons.
In January-August 2026, Ukrainian enterprises reduced exports of ferrous scrap by more than 20 times compared to the same period last year, to 13.86 thousand tons from 283.06 thousand tons. In monetary terms, shipments decreased to $3.93 million from $85.4 million.
At the same time, 9.31 thousand tons of scrap were exported abroad in January due to the completion of last year's contracts, while in December 2025 this figure was 68.52 thousand tons. There were no exports in February-May, 4.08 thousand tons were sold in June, 315 tons in July, and 157 tons in August.
On April 29, 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers introduced amendments by Resolution No. 563
