The European Parliament approved extending Ukraine’s duty-free steel exports to the EU until June 2028, maintaining crucial trade support amid Russia’s war. 

The decision preserves vital market access for Ukrainian steelmakers, who currently send 64% of their exports to the EU. Parliament emphasized the industry’s resilience despite Russian attacks and worker shortages from military mobilization. 

The measure, part of EU autonomous trade measures since 2022, requires final approval by the EU Council. 

Ukraine faces 28 trade barriers globally but relies on its EU access to sustain its steel sector, a backbone of its wartime economy.