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EU Proposes Halving Duty-Free Steel Imports to 18.3 Million Tons, Levying 50% Above Quota

Brussels says the quota-and-tariff plan targets excess imports to shore up a struggling steel sector.

Overview

  • The European Commission’s proposal would cut the tariff‑free steel import quota to 18.3 million tons a year and impose a 50% duty on volumes above that threshold under a tariff rate quota system.
  • Unlike the United States’ blanket 50% tariff on all steel imports, the EU plan keeps limited duty‑free access and adds “melt‑and‑pour” origin checks to curb circumvention.
  • The package still requires approval from the EU’s 27 member states and the European Parliament before it can take effect.
  • EUROFER welcomed the move as a lifeline for producers facing idled capacity, while China’s chamber of commerce in the EU criticized it as protectionist.
  • Key exporters warn of disruption: South Korea shipped roughly $4.48 billion (about 3.8 million tons) to the EU last year, the UK sends around 80% of its steel exports to the bloc, and India sent about 3.3 million tons in 2024.