In brief
Metinvest’s chief executive has called on the European Union to lift restrictions on steel imports from Ukraine, arguing the country has been unfairly grouped with other low‑cost suppliers. The 18.3‑million‑tonne limit on EU steel imports—cut from 2024 levels—challenges Ukraine, which has a free‑trade agreement with the bloc but is still subject to protectionist measures. Ryzhenkov says Ukraine’s war‑struck steel mills have suffered severe losses, with 800 employees killed, and the new quotas could shave 50‑60 % of Ukraine’s exports to the EU. While the EU states that a spot quota for Ukraine remains, it acknowledges a lower rate than in previous years. The CEO insists that unrestricted access to the EU market is vital for survival during an increasingly hostile operational environment.
Metinvest chief executive Yuriy Ryzhenkov said the European Union’s recent steel tariffs are unfair and were imposed without accounting for Ukraine’s wartime conditions. He called for a carve‑out that would allow Ukrainian steel to reach European markets unhindered.
The EU has capped tax‑free steel imports at 18.3 million tonnes a year, a 47 % cut from 2024 levels, and the policy, designed to shield European producers from cheap imports, has injured Ukraine’s sizeable steel output. Even though a free‑trade agreement exists between Ukraine and the EU, the bloc can still impose separate protectionist measures.
Ryzhenkov warned that the new quotas could reduce Ukraine’s exports to the EU by roughly 50‑60 %. The company estimates that the war has already crippled production—at one point, the industry reported no steel output in September 2022, marking a 150‑year low.
Metinvest workers have faced severe casualties, with almost 800 employees killed, and the company has been expanding covered areas at its mills for bomb‑shelters. The CEO has emphasised that keeping staff safe is paramount, yet complete coverage of a steel plant is impossible.
Looking ahead, Ryzhenkov predicts the coming winter will be one of the hardest in the industry’s history, citing logistics constraints and a 60 % cut in available EU market share. He insists that a fair treatment from the EU would assist in sustaining Ukraine’s critical steel sector during ongoing hostilities.
The EU spokesperson admitted that Ukraine’s dedicated quota kept the country an important exporter, though “lower than in the past years,” and noted compensations were offered to its major suppliers.
