EU Cuts Russian Iron and Steel Imports by More Than Half in First 8 Months of 2026
Steel News | 2026-10-14 06:50:07
The EU’s import quota for Russian slabs was effectively exhausted within the first four months of 2026.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The European Union’s imports of Russian-origin iron and steel products fell sharply during the first eight months of 2026, according to the latest Eurostat data. The region imported 1.6 million tonnes between January and August, down 55% year-on-year, while the shipment value dropped 54% to €682 million.
Semi-finished steel products dominated the trade, accounting for 97.8% of total imports. Import volumes totalled about 1.56 million tonnes, down 34% year-on-year. Import value fell 37% year-on-year to €670 million. Belgium remained the largest destination, receiving 767,700 tonnes, down 10.5%. Italy imported 191,800 tonnes, down sharply by 65.1%.
The EU’s import quota for Russian slabs was effectively exhausted within the first four months of 2026. Under the transitional arrangements, the quota for October 2025–September 2026 was set at 2.998 million tonnes.
Russian scrap deliveries also weakened. Scrap imports totalled 41,300 tonnes in Jan-Aug ‘26, down 21.3% when compared with the corresponding eight-month period in 2025.
EU countries did not import Russian pig iron, ferroalloys, iron ore or direct-reduced iron (DRI) during the reporting period. Incidentally, the full ban on Russian pig iron and DRI imports to the region took effect on January 1, 2026.
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POLL
By what percentage did EU imports of Russian-origin iron and steel products decline in January–August 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much did EU imports of Russian iron and steel decline in January–August 2026?
The EU imported 1.6 million tonnes of Russian-origin iron and steel products during the first eight months of 2026, representing a 55% year-on-year decline. The value of these imports decreased 54% to €682 million, according to Eurostat data.
- Which product category accounted for the largest share of Russian steel imports into the EU?
Semi-finished steel products dominated, accounting for 97.8% of total imports. Volumes reached approximately 1.56 million tonnes, down 34% year-on-year, while their import value fell 37% to €670 million.
- Which EU countries were the main destinations for Russian semi-finished steel?
Belgium was the largest destination, importing 767,700 tonnes, a 10.5% year-on-year decrease. Italy ranked among the other major destinations, with imports falling 65.1% to 191,800 tonnes during January–August 2026.
