EU Cuts Steel Imports, Worsening Crisis for Ukraine's War-Weakened Industry

The EU slashed tariff-free steel imports by nearly half in May 2026, capping them at 18.3 million metric tons yearly. Ukraine, now producing only 8 million tons—down 80% since the war began—relies almost entirely on this market. The cut comes as Ukrainian steelmakers already struggle with war damage and logistics. Brussels called it protection against global oversupply, but the timing deepens Ukraine's vulnerability when it can least afford it.