The European Union is preparing to slash steel import quotas by nearly half and impose tariffs of up to 50 per cent on volumes exceeding the new limits, according to reporting by Reuters, citing European Commission Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné.
Increased worries
The move, which has not yet been officially confirmed by the Commission, reflects growing concern in Brussels about surging imports from China and other producers with significant state support, which EU officials see as distorting the global steel market.
Mr Stéphane Séjourné reportedly told the news agency the shift was part of a broader strategic effort to defend Europe’s industrial base. The plan would mark a major adjustment to the EU’s current safeguard measures, in place since 2018. These already impose quotas and duties on certain steel categories. Under the proposed changes, annual import quotas would be reduced by roughly 45 per cent in 2026 compared to the 2021–2023 baseline.
Above the threshold? Ouch!
Imports above the threshold would face punitive tariffs of 50 per cent, more than doubling the existing rate. The adjustments are expected to affect a broad range of products, including hot-rolled coil, reinforcing bars, and stainless steel sheets.
Although the Commission has not formally announced the policy yet, the reported plans align with earlier calls from the European steel industry and trade unions for stronger protection against what they describe as dumping and unfair competition.
If confirmed, the move will echo a US decision to escalate tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminium.
