Main points
- Poland accuses Ukraine of the decline of the steel industry due to a ban on the export of scrap metal, which negatively affects Polish industry.
- Ukraine denies the accusations, arguing that steel export volumes remain below pre-war levels and do not threaten Polish producers.
Poland accused Ukraine of the crisis in an important industry and complains to the EU / Collage of Channel 24, photo Shutterstock, Business Insider Polska
Poles are sounding the alarm, accusing Ukraine of the decline of the steel industry due to a ban on the export of scrap metal. To repel the “blow to local factories”, the Polish authorities have appealed to the European Commission.
Why is Ukraine allegedly harming one of Poland's important industries?
The Ukrainian government has introduced zero tariff quotas for scrap metal exports since January 2026, which the Poles did not like, Business Insider Polska writes.
This was done with the aim of strengthening the domestic steel market, but in Poland it is believed that this decision is detrimental to the Polish steel industry , threatening the competitiveness of companies and jobs.
The decision is a blow to Polish steel mills. Industry representatives warn that it means a sudden halt to some supplies and, as a result, a rise in the price of Polish steel, while significantly lowering the costs of its Ukrainian competitors,
– the publication reported.
In response to questions from Business Insider, the Ministry of Development and Technology confirms that the problem is serious:
About half of Poland's steel production is done in electric arc furnaces, the main raw material of which is scrap metal. In recent years, Poland has been the main recipient of scrap from Ukraine, and a shortage of raw materials could lead to increased production costs,
– the official response from the ministry states.
That is why the Ministry decided to complain about Ukraine to the European Commission and demands urgent measures.
Opinion of the Ukrainian side
The Ukrainian Association of Secondary Metals believes that the ban on the export of scrap metal violates Ukraine's international obligations within the framework of the WTO and the Association Agreement with the EU.
- Polish trade unions and industry associations are trying to shift the blame for the problems of the Polish steel industry onto Ukrainian metallurgists.
- So, now in Poland they are calling on the government to demand from the European Commission a 12-month embargo on the import of Ukrainian steel, arguing this with unfair competition.
The Ukrainian side denies the accusations , emphasizing that export volumes remain below the pre-war level of 2021 and do not pose a threat to Polish producers.
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What is known about Poland's previous accusations regarding imports?
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Poland, Hungary and Slovakia are blocking imports of Ukrainian agricultural products, which is why the European Union is considering legal action. According to them, they are protecting the interests of local farmers from the influence of Ukrainian imports.
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At the same time, Polish producers are asking to resume imports of Ukrainian rapeseed due to a possible deficit, which could reach 500 thousand tons in 2025-2026.