Government has extended restrictions on timber and scrap metal exports until the end of 2026

The Government has adopted a decision to extend restrictions on timber and scrap metal exports until the end of 2026, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced.

"The decision provides for a licensing regime with zero quotas for the export of unprocessed timber, fuel wood, as well as ferrous metal and copper scrap. This allows Ukraine to preserve strategic raw materials and direct them to domestic processing needs," the Head of Government emphasised.

She stressed that scrap metal is a critically important raw material for the Ukrainian metallurgical and foundry industries: "Despite the export duty, scrap exports have been growing, often in transit to third countries without creating added value for Ukraine. Domestic processing, on the contrary, provides jobs, tax revenues and products necessary for defence and reconstruction. The use of scrap in metallurgical production also reduces CO2 emissions, which is important in view of EU requirements."

Yulia Svyrydenko also said that the Government had extended some of the restrictions on timber introduced at the end of October.

"During the full-scale war, logging volumes have fallen significantly due to the combat operations. At the same time, wood processing enterprises are facing a shortage of raw materials and are forced to idle, while for many rural communities, firewood remains a key resource for heating in winter. The extension of restrictions on the export of raw materials supports Ukrainian production, reduces pressure on the environment and reinforces the energy security of communities," explained the Prime Minister.