According to Nicola Sibona, Head of the Trade and Economic Section of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, at the "Ferrous Metallurgy of Ukraine 2026" conference, the European Union is exploring the possibility of adapting CBAM emission accreditation and verification procedures to suit the operating conditions of Ukrainian industry. This regulatory issue directly impacts metal product exports, financial risks for producers, and the access of Ukrainian steel to the EU market. Amid the current CBAM mechanism and the EU's new trade regime, this topic remains one of the most critical for Ukraine's entire mining and metallurgical complex.
Export Reorientation and Regulatory Pressure
Data presented at the conference shows that the EU's share in Ukrainian steel exports has grown from 25% in 2013 to 70% today. In 2025, out of 4.7 million tons of total steel exports, 3.7 million tons were delivered specifically to EU countries. This means that any changes in the rules of access to the European market have a systemic impact on producers, traders, and consumers of metal products.
The situation is further complicated by the European Parliament's decision to reduce duty-free imports to 18.3 million tons per year and increase over-quota duties to 50%. Although Ukraine, as a candidate country, is granted a priority regime, it does not provide a complete exemption from restrictions. The implementation of CBAM starting January 1, 2026, has become an additional risk factor, causing Ukrainian steelmakers to lose over 1.1 million tons of export orders in the first quarter alone.
Uncertain procedures for specialist accreditation and emission verification outside the EU remain a separate challenge. For companies, this implies potential increases in administrative costs, clearance delays, and more complex planning for foreign shipments. Consequently, the Ukrainian side and European institutions are seeking a practical balance between the EU's climate policy and the real capacities of an industry operating under war conditions and logistical constraints.
Impact on the Steel Market and winox.ua Solutions
For the Ukrainian metal market, the adaptation of CBAM procedures matters not only for large exporters but for the entire supply chain. If verification and export compliance costs rise, the cost of metal products changes, increasing price pressure and the need for precise procurement planning. This is especially vital for companies working with stainless steel, rolled metal, and industrial semi-finished products in long production cycles.
In such conditions, businesses require suppliers capable of ensuring predictability and quality. As a supplier of rolled metal, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals, winox.ua focuses on stable deliveries for industrial clients and works only with verified manufacturers. This helps enterprises mitigate operational risks during periods of regulatory change and plan purchases based on actual production needs.
Furthermore, as requirements for product origin and characteristics tighten, the market increasingly values certified metal that meets modern standards. For B2B customers, this is no longer just a quality issue but a core element of a strategy for compliance with export and industry requirements. Therefore, the role of a reliable metal product distributor in Ukraine will only continue to grow.
What the EU Position Means for Ukrainian Industry
The signal from the EU Delegation to Ukraine indicates that Brussels understands the specifics of Ukrainian metallurgy and is ready to analyze potential procedural adjustments. However, for now, the focus is on studying options rather than a finalized decision regarding delays or exemptions from CBAM. Thus, high uncertainty remains for the market, affecting contracts, investment plans, and corporate export strategies.
In the short term, producers and traders will have to operate under heightened regulatory scrutiny. Businesses expect urgent decisions from the Ukrainian government and the European Commission regarding accreditation, verification, and the technical application of new rules. The speed of these agreements will determine whether Ukrainian metallurgy can maintain its position in its primary export market.