Overview

• The European Commission has tabled a plan to halve duty‑free steel import volumes to about 18.3 million tonnes and levy a 50% tariff on shipments above that threshold, with new ‘melt‑and‑pour’ origin checks.
• The proposal would replace the current safeguard regime that applies 25% duties beyond quotas and is scheduled to expire in 2026, and it remains subject to approval before potential mid‑2026 implementation.
• UK Steel and unions call the plan an existential threat because roughly 78–80% of British steel exports go to the EU, warning of job losses and a risk of diverted global steel flooding the UK market.
• London says it is seeking urgent clarification from Brussels, pushing for country‑specific quotas or other carve‑outs, and exploring stronger domestic trade protections for producers.
• Brussels links the move to countering Chinese overcapacity and to aligning with the United States through a proposed ‘metals alliance,’ arguing the measures are necessary to sustain investment and decarbonisation.