Overview

• The European Commission proposed capping duty‑free steel imports at about 18.3 million tonnes a year—roughly 47% below 2024 levels—and charging a 50% tariff on volumes above that threshold.
• Brussels’ plan would replace the current post‑quota 25% levy with a long‑term safeguard subject to five‑year reviews and ‘melt and pour’ origin tracing, and it still requires approval from EU governments and the European Parliament.
• Commission leaders framed the measure as WTO‑compatible and aligned with U.S. barriers to counter trade diversion and cheap steel linked to Chinese overcapacity, a stance welcomed by industry group Eurofer.
• Argentina’s Decree 726/2025 sets export duties at 0% for specified steel and aluminium products when shipped to destinations imposing import tariffs of at least 45%, taking effect immediately through December 31, 2025 or until those tariffs are lowered.
• Buenos Aires assigned its Secretaría de Coordinación de Producción to issue rules and ARCA to list affected countries—practically targeting the U.S.—as exporters such as Aluar and Techint seek relief on roughly $600 million in annual shipments.