EU introduces stricter steel import quotas starting July 2026

From 1 July 2026 the European Union will apply a new regulatory framework to protect its steel sector from global overcapacity. The executive regulation announced by the European Commission sets an overall import quota of 18.3 million tonnes per year for 26 categories of steel products. Imports that exceed the quota will be subject to a 50 % tariff.

The quota system allocates the volume equally between preferential World Trade Organization partners and all other trading partners. It also introduces a mandatory traceability requirement, obliging importers to disclose the place of melting and casting for each shipment, enhancing supply‑chain transparency. The measure aims to sustain competitiveness of European steel producers while ensuring diversified supply.

By lowering total tariff quotas and imposing higher duties on excess imports, the EU seeks to curb market distortions caused by worldwide steel overproduction and to safeguard jobs in the industry.