This decision by Ukraine hits Poland. The government is asking Brussels for urgent intervention
Today, in Business Insider Polska, we describe the Ukrainian blockade of scrap exports from Ukraine to the European Union. At the end of December, the local government decided to introduce zero quotas on raw materials from January 1. He explained this with the desire to strengthen the domestic steel production market.
This decision hits Polish steelworks. Industry representatives warn that this means a sudden suspension of some deliveries and, as a consequence, an increase in the prices of Polish steel while significantly reducing the costs of its competitors from Ukraine.
We describe the whole matter here: The new axis of Poland's dispute with Ukraine. Kyiv blocks the export of a key raw material
The government responds
Ministry of Development and Technology in response to Business Insider's questions confirms that the problem is serious.
“About half of steel production in Poland takes place in electric arc furnaces, the basic raw material of which is steel scrap. In recent years, Poland has been the main recipient of Ukrainian scrap exports a shortage of raw materials may lead to an increase in production costs, a decrease in competitiveness and a real risk of reduced production and job cuts” – we read in the official response of the ministry.
The rest of the article below the video:
The Polish government warned Ukraine
The Ministry emphasizes that it has already sent signals to the Ukrainian side not to introduce restrictions that may affect business in Poland.
“On December 18, 2025 – before the introduction of Ukrainian export restrictions – the Ministry of Development and Technology sent a letter to Vitaliya Kondrativ, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, in which he requested to refrain from implementing planned measures that would prevent the export of ferrous scrap from Ukraine,” describes the Ministry of Energy and Technology.
However, the request was ignored, and the Ukrainian authorities decided to introduce zero quotas, i.e. in practice, a ban on scrap exports from January 1.
World steel production
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World Steel Association
Warsaw wants urgent EU intervention
In this situation, the ministry wants the support of Brussels, which has the competence to shape the Community's trade policy and develop a possible response.
“Following the decision of the Government of Ukraine introducing zero tariff quotas on the export of steel scrap from Ukraine from January 1, 2026 (de facto export ban) Ministry of Development and Technology asked the European Commission for urgent intervention aimed at taking action to prevent the application of restrictions on scrap exports to EU countries, including Poland,” the ministry continues.
He also announces that, on his initiative, the topic of restrictions on scrap exports will be discussed at “the next bilateral meetings of the Ministry's management with partners from Ukraine”.
