EU imposes 50% tariffs on steel imports, caps duty‑free quota

On 8 June, EU member states approved new trade rules that will take effect on 1 July. The measures limit the duty‑free steel import quota to 18.3 million tonnes per year; any volume above that will be taxed at 50 percent, double the previous rate. A "melt‑and‑pour" requirement will identify the first country where steel was melted and poured, aimed at preventing re‑export tricks.

The policy targets the influx of cheap steel, particularly from Russia and, unofficially, China, to protect European producers and address overcapacity, high energy costs and decarbonisation pressures. Cyprus minister Michael Damianos said, "Steel is fundamental for Europe's industrial base, ecological transformation and security." Poland's steel sector welcomed the move, while discussions continue on quota allocations for Ukrainian steel.

The new framework also allows firms that do not use their quota in a quarter to roll it over within the same year, aiming to give manufacturers greater predictability.