U.S. temporarily suspends tariffs on steel imported from Ukraine

Washington — Following in Europe's footsteps, the U.S. is suspending its 25% tariffs on Ukrainian steel imports, the Commerce Department announced Monday. The suspension will last for one year. 

The move, while it may be partly symbolic for now, is the latest effort to bolster Ukraine's economy amid Russian President Vladimir Putin's assault on the country. Steel is a key sector of Ukraine's economy, representing 18% of the country's total exports in 2018, according to a 2019 report from the Commerce Department.

At the end of April, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said there was an "ongoing consideration and process of reviewing a range of steps" the administration can take to provide relief to Ukrainians, including a review of tariffs. The European Union said last month that it was suspending all tariffs on Ukrainian imports for one year.