EU Extends Duty-Free Ukrainian Steel Regime Amid War

The European Commission has introduced a surveillance tool to monitor trade diversion caused by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, noting significant increases in imports and price drops in various goods including appliances, industrial robots, and steel products. These tariffs, which impose duties up to 50% on steel and aluminum and 25% on cars, have led to concerns about goods being diverted into the EU market, particularly from China, which faces multiple U.S. tariffs. Simultaneously, the European Union has extended its duty-free regime for Ukrainian steel and iron imports for another three years, supporting Ukraine’s economy amid ongoing war impacts. This extension allows Ukrainian producers to export without quotas or duties until 2028, although the EU may temporarily suspend this for certain products if imports threaten EU producers. Ukrainian officials expressed gratitude, highlighting the importance of continued market access for preserving jobs and contributing to reconstruction. The EU's actions reflect a balancing act between responding to U.S. trade policies and supporting Ukraine’s metallurgical industry during geopolitical challenges.