In May 2025, Ukraine exported about 29,000 tons of scrap, a 91.3% increase compared to May 2024, but a 38.3% decrease from the previous month. Among them, Poland remained the primary destination, receiving about 28,000 tons, decreasing by 29.7% month on month, accounting for 90.3% of Ukraine’s total exports. Germany received merely 3,000 tons, a 73% decline from April.

In May 2025, Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy proposed a draft resolution introducing licensing and a zero quota for ferrous scrap exports for the current year. This measure was previously used during high domestic demand.

Scrap is increasingly viewed as a strategic resource for green metallurgy and decarbonization, with 48 countries imposing export restrictions, over a third enforcing total bans. Currently, 77% of global steel is produced in countries that have implemented or plan to implement such restrictions.