Overview

• Brussels set out a permanent safeguard that would cut the EU’s tariff‑free steel contingent to about 18.3 million tonnes—roughly 47% below 2024—and charge 50% on volumes above that level.
• The European Commission says the plan complies with WTO rules, adds traceability controls, and still requires approval by EU governments and the European Parliament.
• Commission leaders frame the move as protection against subsidized oversupply, with China cited as a main source, and as closer alignment with U.S. trade measures while talks with Washington continue.
• European steel group Eurofer called the proposal a big step to preserve the sector and jobs, urging swift adoption so it can take effect at the start of 2026.
• Argentina’s Decree 726/2025 sets export duties to 0% for listed steel and aluminum products shipped to destinations imposing tariffs of at least 45% through December 31, 2025, with the Economy Ministry’s coordination secretariat to issue rules and notify ARCA; local reporting links the timing to recent U.S. tariff increases and official visits to Washington.