The EU is set to extend the preferential import regime for Ukrainian metallurgical products.

On May 8, the European Parliament will consider the issue of introducing a preferential regime for exports of Ukrainian steel and iron to the EU following the conclusion of the visa-free trade period on June 5 2025.

The European Commission noted that, despite the destruction and occupation of many production facilities during the war, Ukraine remains a significant exporter of iron and steel. To support Ukraine, it is proposed to maintain the suspension of Regulation (EU) 2015/478, which serves as the basis for the abolition of EU safeguard measures on Ukrainian steel products. The new regulation is expected to take effect on June 6. The preferential regime for Ukrainian exports of steel and iron is planned to be implemented for three years.

The EU introduced a preferential trade regime for Ukraine on June 4 2022, which was extended in 2023. However, due to protests by European farmers, Brussels restricted the import of certain types of Ukrainian agricultural products in 2023. Currently, the EU does not plan to extend the general “visa-free trade” for Ukraine after June 5 2025.