Export of scrap threatens the national security of Ukraine - opinion of the people's deputy

Restricting the export of scrap is a national security issue for Ukraine. This opinion was expressed by the people's deputy Dmitry Shpenov. “We need to raise the economy, and for this, the national industry must be provided with raw materials. Protect yourself to survive! - this is the main rule of global peace today, "he said.

The People's Deputy noted that in recent years, scrap metal in the world has become a strategic raw material. Global environmental transformations and a course to reduce CO 2 emissions require optimal steelmaking solutions. The cleanest method of making steel available today is through the use of scrap. Therefore, states with a developed steel industry put the issue of limiting the export of this raw material on the agenda.

D. Shpenov emphasized that scrap recycling gives much greater benefit to the state budget than its export. From 1 ton of exported scrap the budget receives 1900-2000 hryvnias of taxes, and its processing into steel gives the budget 8200 hryvnias. Bill No. 5175 was developed with the aim of extending the restrictive export duty on scrap in the amount of 58 euros per tonne for another 5 years. The obvious usefulness of this document for Ukraine is beyond doubt.

“I am grateful to the MPs from the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Environmental Policy and Environmental Management, who supported this bill and thereby ensured a positive voting effect. I am convinced that on April 12, the BP Economic Development Committee will provide similar support. Limiting the export of scrap is important for two reasons. First, it will fill the budget and support the economy. Secondly, it will save 21.5 thousand jobs and provide an opportunity to create another 3.5 thousand new ones, ”he said.

The politician stressed that the main directions of export of Ukrainian scrap deserve special attention. Transnistria is a satellite of the aggressor country, from there it is quite possible to re-export raw materials to the Russian Federation, where it can be used to make tanks for the war in Donbass, he said.

At the same time, Turkey is one of the main competitors of Ukraine in the world steel market. “There are also questions regarding the Turkish direction. Turkey is the seventh largest steel producer in the world. In 2020, the country increased scrap imports by 11.5%. We must not give up our positions, which have been won over decades of hard work, ”underlines D. Shpenov.