Ukraine prolongs import safeguard measures on cement and steel to protect local industry
On May 21, Ukraine's Interdepartmental Commission on International Trade decided to extend safeguard duties for five more years on cement imports from Moldova, Russia, and Belarus (although imports from Russia are already banned), as well as on corrosion-resistant rolled steel products from China and Russia. The Ministry of Economy reported this decision via its press service.
The safeguard duties, initially introduced in 2019, vary by country:
- Cement: Moldova – 94.46%, Belarus – 57.03%, Russia – 114.95%
- Corrosion-resistant rolled steel: China – 22.78%, Russia – 47.5%
These measures aim to protect Ukrainian industries from dumping—the practice of exporting goods at prices below their fair market value.
In addition, following petitions from Ukrainian manufacturers, new trade investigations have been launched. These involve cable and wire products from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey. The Commission is also reviewing existing safeguard measures on seamless steel pipes and certain ferrous metal products imported from China.
Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko stressed that Ukraine remains committed to defending its market from unfair trade practices in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, while upholding the principles of free and open trade.
She also encouraged Ukrainian producers to reach out to the Ministry if they face aggressive, non-market competition.
