Every one of four anti-dumping measure against steel products from Ukraine was introduced more than 20 years ago

Ukraine is one of the most affected countries by trade regionalization. There are 28 trade restriction measures in force against steel products from Ukraine in 13 countries and economic blocs.

This is stated in the GMK Center study «Trade Restrictions as a Key Challenge for the Steel Industry in 2025.”ʼ

To help overcome the negative economic consequences of the Russian invasion, the US, UK, Canada and the EU have temporarily suspended 5 restrictive measures were temporarily suspended. Ukraine is temporarily excluded from steel TRQ system in the EU since June 2022 via Autonomous trade measures (ATM) of the EU. This, alongside with temporarily suspension of anti-dumping duties, were key factors for the survival of the Ukrainian steel industry since the beginning of the war.

The EU remains the key export market for Ukrainian steelmakers. However, Ukrainian companies need to diversify supplies entering other markets, for example the USA and other countries of North America.

There are 7 measures against Ukrainian steel products in the USA, 4 of them were introduced before 2001. There are 2 antidumping measures in Canada, however this country temporarily suspended their applying to Ukrainian exports.

There are also some measures that affect Ukrainian exports indirectly. Canada in December 2024 set a 15.9% anti-dumping duty on rebar from Bulgaria, which is produced using Ukrainian square billets. A decrease in rebar exports from Bulgaria by 60-80 ths tons will lead to a decrease in billet exports from Ukraine. So, this measure actually affects export from Ukraine, that excluded from any duties in Canada. Origin of billet could be used as a criteria to avoid anti-dumping duties.

In general, Ukrainian steel industry has significantly changed. Before 2014, Ukraine’s total nominal steelmaking capacity was 42 million tons, in 2021 it was 27 million tons, in 2024 it fell to 16.2 million tons, of which active is about 8.0 million tons, the rest is idled. In 2013 Ukraine exported 24.7 mln tons of steel, in 2024 – 4.7 mln tons.

Currently Ukrainian steel exports do not pose a threat to global steel markets since Ukrainian companies cannot produce as much steel as before.

As GMK Center reported, the US has launched a comprehensive review of its trade relations. The executive order released on the White House website, in particular, orders the relevant agencies to investigate the causes of America’s trade deficit with foreign countries, assess the feasibility of creating the Foreign Revenue Service, identify unfair trade practices, and review existing trade agreements.

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) supported the President’s America First (America First) trade policy. In particular, AISI welcomed the commitment to continue to pursue a strong and proactive line to address the many priority issues for the U.S. steel industry.

Also, U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants to impose massive tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper imported into the country, as well as on other goods, particularly computer chips, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.