The EU has almost fully utilised its annual quota for Russian pig iron imports

According to Eurostat, European companies in the first four months of 2025 almost exhausted the annual quota for the purchase of Russian pig iron, established under the 12th package of EU sanctions. This is reported by ‘Vedomosti’.

The total volume of Russian pig iron exports to EU countries in January-March amounted to 697 thousand tonnes against the annual quota of 700 thousand tonnes. The main importers were Italy (524.6 thousand tonnes), Latvia (87.3 thousand tonnes) and Belgium (31 thousand tonnes).

The 12th package of sanctions, adopted in December 2023, provides for a gradual reduction in imports of Russian pig iron: from 1.14 million tonnes in 2024 to a complete ban from 2026. At the same time, analysts do not rule out the possibility of continuing supplies via third countries.

The financial results of export operations for the reporting period totalled 245.4 million euros. At the same time, against the backdrop of lower global demand and prices for pig iron, as well as the introduction of 70 per cent duties on Russian rolled steel products by the US in 2023, the industry is expected to reduce production volumes.

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