Europe insists on extension of exemption on Russian steel imports

The exemption has been critical for European steel companies, including Vitovice Steel of the Czech Republic, which has expressed fears that a cutoff in Russian steel supplies could cause a crisis in the construction and auto industries.

However, despite the requirement to extend the exemption, the Czech Republic is exploring opportunities to import from China, although the quality of Chinese materials currently does not match Russian ones. Extending the exclusion period will allow Czech companies to find alternative suppliers.

Although the Czech Republic is requesting an extension of NLMK's preferential steel imports until 2028, the final date for this extension remains open.