EBA experts discuss proposed increase in export duty on stone

23/ 06/ 2026

During a roundtable discussion organised by NADRA.INFO, experts from the European Business Association examined the potential impact of increasing export duties on certain types of stone on Ukraine’s extractive industry. The introduction of an export duty of EUR 0.3 per kilogram on unprocessed granite could lead to the effective monopolisation of the market, loss of export potential, and the closure of dozens of extraction enterprises. This was stated by Iryna Suprun, Chair of the EBA Subsoil Use Committee, commenting on the amendments recently adopted by Parliament. According to industry representatives, the new provision does not create a level playing field but instead establishes an artificial monopoly, under which the market would effectively be left with a single purchaser of raw materials. This would deprive producers of the opportunity to export their products and create conditions for price manipulation. Business representatives emphasised that the original proposal submitted by the National Association of the Extractive Industry concerned only labradorite. However, in the final version, the measure was extended to all granite products classified under UCGFEA codes 2516110000, 2516120000 and 2516900000. Association experts also point out that Article 31 of the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement prohibits the introduction of new export duties. According to data from the State Customs Service, exports of products under the three relevant UCGFEA codes exceeded 44,000 tonnes in 2025 and early 2026, generating export revenues of USD 6.88 million. At the same time, industry calculations suggest that the total amount of duties payable would reach approximately USD 15.3 million — more than double the sector’s export earnings. Following the loss of most international orders in 2022, companies spent several years rebuilding their export markets. According to industry estimates, exports could increase to USD 19 million in 2026; however, the introduction of the duty puts these prospects at risk. Although a rate of EUR 0.3 per kilogram may appear modest at first glance, the actual burden would amount to approximately USD 1,000 per cubic metre of granite block and up to USD 9,500 in additional costs per standard shipping container. Market participants called for a review of the adopted amendments and for further consultations with businesses in order to avoid undermining the sector’s competitiveness. Watch the recording of the discussion.

01/

The introduction of an export duty of EUR 0.3 per kilogram on unprocessed granite could lead to the effective monopolisation of the market, loss of export potential, and the closure of dozens of extraction enterprises. This was stated by Iryna Suprun, Chair of the EBA Subsoil Use Committee, commenting on the amendments recently adopted by Parliament.

According to industry representatives, the new provision does not create a level playing field but instead establishes an artificial monopoly, under which the market would effectively be left with a single purchaser of raw materials. This would deprive producers of the opportunity to export their products and create conditions for price manipulation.

Business representatives emphasised that the original proposal submitted by the National Association of the Extractive Industry concerned only labradorite. However, in the final version, the measure was extended to all granite products classified under UCGFEA codes 2516110000, 2516120000 and 2516900000.

Association experts also point out that Article 31 of the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement prohibits the introduction of new export duties.

According to data from the State Customs Service, exports of products under the three relevant UCGFEA codes exceeded 44,000 tonnes in 2025 and early 2026, generating export revenues of USD 6.88 million. At the same time, industry calculations suggest that the total amount of duties payable would reach approximately USD 15.3 million — more than double the sector’s export earnings.

Following the loss of most international orders in 2022, companies spent several years rebuilding their export markets. According to industry estimates, exports could increase to USD 19 million in 2026; however, the introduction of the duty puts these prospects at risk.

Although a rate of EUR 0.3 per kilogram may appear modest at first glance, the actual burden would amount to approximately USD 1,000 per cubic metre of granite block and up to USD 9,500 in additional costs per standard shipping container.

Market participants called for a review of the adopted amendments and for further consultations with businesses in order to avoid undermining the sector’s competitiveness.

Watch the recording of the discussion.