Ukraine extends export restrictions on timber and scrap metal through 2026 – PM
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has decided to extend restrictions on the export of timber and scrap metal until the end of 2026, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced.
"The decision establishes a licensing regime with zero quotas for the export of unprocessed wood, fuelwood, as well as ferrous and copper scrap. This measure allows Ukraine to preserve strategic raw materials and direct them toward domestic processing needs," Svyrydenko wrote on her Telegram channel following Wednesday's (December 31) government meeting.
According to her, scrap metal is a critically important raw material for Ukraine's metallurgical and foundry industries.
"Despite the existing export duty, scrap exports continued to grow, often transiting through third countries without generating added value for Ukraine. Domestic processing, by contrast, creates jobs, generates tax revenues, and produces goods essential for defense and reconstruction. Moreover, using scrap in metallurgical production reduces CO₂ emissions, which is significant given EU requirements," the prime minister added.
As for timber, she noted, the government extended part of the restrictions introduced at the end of October.
"During the full-scale war, logging volumes have dropped sharply due to hostilities. At the same time, woodworking enterprises face raw material shortages and are forced into downtime, while for many rural communities firewood remains a key resource for heating in winter," she wrote.
Svyrydenko emphasized that continuing restrictions on raw material exports supports Ukrainian production, reduces environmental pressure, and strengthens the energy security of local communities.