Ukraine’s steel sector is facing mounting pressure from Polish industry groups, which are accusing the country of being a scapegoat for Poland’s own steel sector’s challenges. In the first half of 2, the country’s steel exports to its eastern neighbor increased slightly, but this has sparked a backlash from Polish businesses who claim the Ukrainian industry is not the root cause of their troubles. The Polish industry groups are now lobbying the Polish government to take action against these imports, arguing that they are being unfairly blamed for a domestic issue.
The situation is further complicated by the broader European context, as Polish groups are urging Warsaw to press the European Union to impose tariffs or other restrictions on Ukrainian steel imports. This comes at a time when Ukraine is trying to rebuild its steel industry, which has been severely impacted by years of conflict and economic instability. The Polish government’s response to these calls has not been clearly defined, with officials remaining cautious about escalating tensions with their Ukrainian neighbor.