EU extends preferential regime for imports of Ukrainian steel and iron

The EU Council has extended the preferential trade regime for Ukraine’s iron and steel products beyond 6 June 2025. This decision aims to support the Ukrainian economy, which has suffered significant losses due to the armed aggression of the russian federation.

“The extension of the preferential regime for Ukrainian steel and iron by the EU is crucial for our economy. In particular, for the metallurgy sector, which has faced substantial losses due to hostilities and the destruction of production facilities, this decision is vital. It will help maintain exports, preserve jobs, and ensure foreign currency inflows into the country,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy.

The regulation will take effect on 6 June 2025, following the expiry of the “trade visa-free” regime between Ukraine and the EU. It will remain in place for three years, allowing Ukrainian producers to continue exporting metallurgical products to EU countries without protective measures, quotas, or other restrictions.

The European Commission reserves the right to temporarily reinstate protective measures for specific products for up to 12 months if imports from Ukraine significantly increase and harm EU producers.

It should be noted that since 2018, the European Union has applied protective measures to steel and iron imports from around the world to safeguard its domestic producers. However, following the start of russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022, Ukrainian products were temporarily exempted from these measures.