EUROFER stressed that maintaining a strong steel production base in the EU is vital for strategic autonomy, the green transition, and the resilience of Europe’s industrial value chain. The association said this approach also serves to reduce the risks arising from excessive dependence on foreign suppliers and government regimes. According to the statement, the new trade measure proposed by the European Commission is seen as part of a broader effort to preserve EU industrial capacity while supporting employment, innovation, and climate objectives.
EUROFER noted that some critics argue the Commission’s proposal does not fairly reflect the interests of all actors across the steel value chain, but reminded that the primary objective of the new regime is to reduce and stabilise steel imports at sustainable levels. Protecting European industrial capacity and preventing trade diversion caused by global overcapacity were also cited as key goals of the measure.
The association added that the new measure is designed around tariff-free quotas rather than a general levy, includes a review mechanism, and can be extended to cover steel-containing products under the CBAM framework. This, EUROFER said, demonstrates that the needs of downstream sectors have been carefully considered.
EUROFER also responded to concerns raised by some sectors regarding price impacts, administrative burdens linked to the “melt and pour” rule, and security of supply for high-quality steel inputs. The association said the new trade measure is not expected to tighten supply or lead to significant price increases, as domestic production capacity is sufficient to offset lower imports. It also pointed out that EU steel capacity utilisation rates remain low, leaving ample room to replace imported volumes, and added that the system can be adjusted if needed.
EUROFER further stressed that the tariff-free quota structure will not prevent EU steel prices from reflecting market conditions and international price levels, especially when compared with the US policy of imposing a flat 50% tariff on every tonne of imported steel.
On the “melt and pour” rule, EUROFER said identifying the site where steel is melted and cast is already required under CBAM in order to use actual carbon intensity data, meaning the new trade regime does not introduce an additional requirement for imports.
Regarding concerns over the supply of high-quality and specialised products, EUROFER said such products fall within much broader product-category quotas, where sufficient room remains for imports. The association also noted that countries in close proximity to Europe benefit from logistical advantages, allowing them to plan and secure EU-bound shipments more effectively.
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