The Ukrainian government has agreed to extend Ukraine's export restrictions on timber and scrap metal for a further 12 months (until the end of 2026), as the war with the Russians drags on into its fourth year. A "zero quota" licensing regime has been introduced in order to retain strategic raw materials for domestic processing. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced the decision, noting that such a step will help the country's industry during wartime by giving manufacturers access to critically important raw materials.

As regards timber, the government has extended the export restrictions introduced at the end of October 2025. Volumes of timber harvested have fallen sharply because of the active fighting. Wood processing companies are facing a shortage of raw material, which has forced many of them to halt operations, while in rural areas firewood remains a vital source of heating in winter.

The head of the Ukrainian government stressed that the restrictions will help to stabilise supplies to processors in Ukraine, reduce the impact on the environment and strengthen the energy security of local communities. "The decision provides for licensing with "zero quotas" for exports of unprocessed wood, fuel wood, as well as ferrous metal and copper scrap. This allows Ukraine to retain strategic raw materials and channel them towards domestic processing needs."

Scrap metal remains important to Ukraine's metallurgy and metal casting sectors. Despite the existing export duties, exports continue to grow, and the material is often transported via third countries, generating no added value for the Ukrainian economy. Domestic processing, by contrast, provides jobs, tax revenue and materials that are essential for defence and for rebuilding the country's infrastructure. Using scrap in steel production reduces CO₂ emissions, which is in line with European Union environmental requirements. According to representatives of the Ukrainian government, the extended export restrictions are intended to preserve strategic raw materials, support domestic production and ensure that Ukraine's industrial base remains resilient during the war.