Overview

• The European Commission proposed cutting tariff‑free steel import volumes by about 47% to roughly 18.3 million tonnes and applying a 50% duty to shipments above that level.
• The package would replace the existing safeguard regime expiring in 2026 and adds “melted and poured” origin checks, with exemptions for European Economic Area partners such as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
• Approval by EU governments and the European Parliament is required, and officials indicated potential consultations with the World Trade Organization.
• UK industry groups warned of an existential threat, urging negotiations for UK‑specific quotas as more than three‑quarters of British steel exports go to the EU and warning redirected global steel could inundate the UK market.
• Brussels cites severe global overcapacity and imports diverted by U.S. 50% tariffs, and it is pursuing coordination with Washington on a metals alliance and quota arrangements.