Poland called for urgent European Union intervention after Ukraine imposed a sudden ban on steel scrap exports to the bloc, Business Insider Polska reported. Poland’s Ministry of Development and Technology warned that a shortage of scrap could lead to higher production costs, reduced competitiveness, and the risk of production cuts and job losses.

In late December, Ukraine introduced zero export quotas on ferrous scrap, effectively halting shipments from Jan. 1, 2026. Ukrainian authorities said the measure was aimed at supporting the domestic steel industry amid wartime economic pressures.

Poland is Ukraine’s largest EU customer for steel scrap, with about half of Polish steel output produced using electric arc furnaces that rely heavily on scrap. Polish industry representatives said mills now face higher input costs, while Ukrainian producers could gain a cost advantage.