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EU Carbon Border Levy Takes Effect, Pricing High-Emission Imports

The levy intensifies pricing pressure on foreign steel and aluminium suppliers, sharpening FTA demands from India.

Overview

  • From January 1, 2026, EU importers must buy CBAM certificates covering embedded emissions in iron and steel, aluminium, cement, hydrogen, electricity and fertilisers.
  • India-focused analyses say many steel and aluminium exporters may need to cut prices by 15–22% to offset buyers’ CBAM costs, with MSMEs facing the steepest compliance burden.
  • Congress leader Jairam Ramesh labels the measure an unacceptable non-tariff barrier and urges that the forthcoming IndiaEU trade deal account for CBAM’s impact.
  • The EU proceeds despite objections from major partners and a formal dispute launched by Russia, while UNCTAD warns of limited emissions gains and risks for developing economies.
  • UKEU carbon-market linkage remains unfinished, leaving short-term exposure questions for British firms, and the EU plans to extend CBAM from 2028 to products using steel and aluminium.