On behalf of the multi-million Ukrainian mining and metallurgical complex, the Ukrmetalurgprom association has addressed the leaders and representatives of the UN, EC, USA, UK and Turkey asking them to completely unblock Ukrainian ports and restore free navigation in the Black Sea.
“At present the sea trade of Ukraine has almost completely been destroyed by the aggressor country, from which not only Ukraine suffers, incurring enormous economic losses, but also a considerable number of countries experiencing food shortage,” the address said.
In pre-war times, the share of Ukrainian mining and metallurgical exports via seaports reached 38%, and the Russian blockade painfully affected the major industry: the current loading of metal plants does not exceed 55% and mining and processing plants – 35% of the 2021 level. Pipe industry decreased output by almost 40%. Exports of titanium and zirconium ores and concentrate in 2022 dropped by 43%, while imports of bauxites for aluminum manufacture fell by 82%.
Ukrmetalurgprom claims that it is in Ukraine’s and all partner countries’ interest to do everything possible to return to Ukraine its right for free sea trade, as in the current situation complete reopening of seaports for all types of cargo will create prospects for quick restoration of industrial manufacture in Ukraine, which will improve its ability to withstand the aggression.
Thus, in order to unblock seaports, Ukrmetalurgprom offers dropping the grain initiative, which is highly unprofitable for Ukraine, and focus on the restoration of free shipping to Ukrainian ports, on the help in improving port infrastructure protection and increasing the sanctions pressure on Russia to prevent terrorism and piracy in the Black Sea region. (Ukrainian metal)