According to data released today, European Union steel exports to the United States declined by 34% over the three quarters following the introduction of US tariffs last year, falling from 2.93 million tonnes to 1.94 million tonnes compared to the same period a year earlier.
The tariffs, which came into effect on June 4, 2025 and were later expanded to cover steel-intensive downstream products, continue to weigh heavily on European steelmakers and the broader manufacturing value chain. Steel and aluminium remain the only sectors subject to the 50% US tariff.
The figures were published after EU member states approved legislation last week implementing the EU-US trade agreement. The deal includes safeguard provisions allowing the European Commission to suspend parts of the agreement if the US continues to impose tariffs above 15% on steel and aluminium derivative products after the end of 2026.
The agreement also foresees further discussions between the EU and the US on potential solutions for steel- and aluminium-intensive products, including tariff-rate quota arrangements and cooperation aimed at addressing global overcapacity.
Commenting on the situation, EUROFER Director General Axel Eggert stated that the impact of the tariffs is now clear, with European steel exports to the US significantly reduced and meaningful market access still unresolved. He added that the EU and the US should work together to protect both markets from global overcapacity while safeguarding secure supply chains, including through tariff-rate quota solutions, warning that without such measures the agreement offers little benefit to the European steel industry.
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