EU to tighten steel imports, halve duty-free share and raise tariffs

The European Commission on Tuesday proposed a sharp tightening of steel import rules, halving the volume of duty free imports and doubling tariffs on shipments above the new limits to 50 percent, a move the Commission says is aimed at protecting the bloc’s steel sector from a surge in cheap global supply. The proposal, announced by Commission officials, would cut duty free imports to 18.3 million tonnes a year and apply a 50 percent levy to volumes beyond that threshold, with the measures scheduled to take effect after current safeguards expire in June 2026 if approved.

Brussels framed the plan as a response to persistent global overcapacity and low‑cost exports, particularly from Asia, which EU leaders say have depressed production and jobs across the bloc. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said global overcapacity was damaging the industry and called for immediate action. European industry officials have also proposed a melt and pour rule requiring importers to declare where steel was melted and poured to counter routing of Chinese product through third countries.

The Commission and EU trade officials argued the package is intended to raise capacity...