“photo ua.depositphotos.com The government decided in 2026 to extend restrictions on the export of certain types of raw materials by introducing a licensing and quota regime. These are resources that are critical…”, — write: www.unian.ua
photo ua.depositphotos.comThe government decided in 2026 to extend restrictions on the export of certain types of raw materials by introducing a licensing and quota regime. These are resources that are critically important for the stable operation of the economy under martial law.
First of all, the restrictions will apply to scrap metal. According to the government, this resource is needed by Ukrainian metallurgical and machine-building enterprises for the production of products for defense needs, reconstruction and the domestic market. Recycling scrap metal within the country creates jobs, provides tax revenue and produces finished products with high added value.
Also, in 2026, restrictions on the export of raw wood will be maintained. The government explains this by the reduction of logging volumes due to the war and the growth of domestic demand for wood for heating, housing reconstruction, work of woodworking enterprises and meeting the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In this regard, priority is given to the use of the resource within the country.
“During the war, it is important that strategic resources work for the country, and not be exported abroad. Licensing and quotas allow us to direct scrap metal and wood to the needs of Ukrainian production, defense and reconstruction. This means jobs, taxes and finished products in Ukraine,” said Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Vitaly Kindrativ.
In general, the government’s decision is aimed at preserving strategic resources in the state, supporting national production and reducing dependence on imports. The government expects that this will allow key sectors of the economy to work stably and provide for the needs of the state and communities during the wartime period.
As you know, the export of ferrous metal scrap from Ukraine for January-November 2025 increased by 45.3% year-on-year to 380.16 thousand tons. This volume has already exceeded the total number of shipments for the entire year 2024.
Previously, Opendatabot published data according to which the state budget received only 104 hryvnias per ton of scrap exported from Ukraine. This is slightly more than the price of a cup of coffee: despite the fact that the industry received 3.2 billion UAH in revenue, it paid only 4.6 million UAH in taxes.
The statistics look absurd: a company with 1 employee exports 3,000 tons of scrap, while eight traders, who provide 70% of exports, show only 22% of revenue and pay minimum wages.
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