Overview

• The European Commission proposed reducing the tariff‑free steel import quota to about 18.3 million tonnes—a roughly 47% cut—and introducing a 50% duty on volumes above that level.
• Brussels says the measures aim to shield EU producers from cheap imports and chronic global overcapacity, with officials pointing to China as the primary source of market pressure.
• The package would replace the current safeguard regime expiring in 2026 and add strict proof‑of‑origin rules requiring importers to show where steel was melted and poured to prevent circumvention.
• UK industry bodies warned of an existential threat as roughly 78–80% of British steel exports go to the EU, urging the government to secure country‑specific quotas and to guard against diverted imports flooding the UK market.
• EU officials signaled outreach to partners including the United States and anticipated WTO consultations, while some neighboring countries are expected to receive exemptions under existing arrangements.