The European Union on Tuesday revealed plans to double tariffs on imported steel and halve the volume allowed into the bloc.
The EU said it will slash the tariff-free steel import quota by nearly 50% and impose a 50% tariff on shipments exceeding the new 18.3 million-ton threshold. This measure, which doubles the current 25% tariff, will affect major exporting nations such as China, India, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. However, neighboring countries, including Norway, Iceland, and Ukraine, will be exempt from the new rules.
The initiative seeks to strengthen Europe’s steel industry by limiting the flow of low-cost imports redirected from markets affected by U.S. tariffs earlier this year. As part of the plan, steel importers will be required to state where the products were melted and poured, while a detailed quota system will regulate access to the EU’s internal market.
The proposal would replace the current steel safeguard policy, which complies with World Trade Organization rules and is set to expire in June 2026.
“A strong, decarbonized steel sector is vital for the European Union’s competitiveness, economic security, and strategic autonomy. Global overcapacity is damaging our industry,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
The proposal will now be reviewed and voted on by the European Parliament and the European Council and may also involve consultations with the WTO to evaluate its impact on member states.
Steel continues to be a cornerstone of Europe’s industrial landscape, providing jobs for around 300,000 people in 20 of the EU’s 27 member countries. Over the last 20 years, the industry has seen a decline of nearly 25% in its workforce.
According to Eurostat, the EU exported steel valued at €77 billion and imported €73.1 billion in 2024. The European Steel Association estimates global steel overcapacity at approximately 602 million tons—nearly quadruple the EU’s yearly consumption.
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