EU Enforces Stricter Steel Import Rules, Protects Local Industry

The European Commission is set to tighten import restrictions on steel starting next month to protect the struggling European steel sector from rising imports, particularly from China. The new measures will reduce import quotas, limiting tariff-free steel imports and eliminating the rollover of unused quotas from other countries. Commission Vice President Stéphane Séjourné indicated that these changes would cut inflows by approximately 15% and aim to bolster production capacity and job creation within the EU. The adjustments, which will take effect on April 1, 2025, include a reduction of the liberalization rate from 1% to 0.1% and apply mainly to categories under high import pressure. This decision follows a review prompted by concerns from 13 EU member states regarding the industry's declining situation. The steel safeguard measure, initially introduced in 2019, will remain in effect until June 30, 2026.