# EU CBAM and trade regulation impacts on global exporters

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eu-carbon-border-adjustment-on-asian-imports
> Updated: 2026-09-02T17:35:00.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 7.

In late July 2026, the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) became a focal point for industry and policymakers concerned about the influx of Chinese steel. EU lawmakers warned that the sector could lose up to €90 billion in added value by 2025, with thousands of jobs at risk, and highlighted upcoming CBAM-driven tariff increases and quota reductions set to take effect on 1 July 2026. A week later, the scope of CBAM was broadened beyond steel to include aluminium, cement, electricity, fertilisers, hydrogen and iron-steel, applying from 2026 through 2034. A UNECE report noted that the measure could reshape trade flows from China and Central Asian exporters, forcing them to absorb carbon costs, lower emissions, or adopt domestic pricing. Analysts warned that the policy might strain EU-China relations while also offering opportunities for cooperation on emissions verification. By mid-August 2026, the focus shifted toward administrative and technical hurdles. In India, the Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies and the Engineering Export Promotion Council, held an awareness session on 18 August 2026. The session provided approximately 100 exporters with guidance on calculating embedded emissions and data reporting, using case studies for the iron, steel, and aluminium sectors. In early September 2026, discussions at the Mexico Carbon Forum highlighted how CBAM is transforming carbon emissions into a critical variable for market access in Latin America. World Bank economist Sara Turner noted that while global carbon pricing coverage has risen to 29 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, a significant regional gap persists: Europe’s price is approximately $78 per ton, compared to an average of only $4 per ton in Latin America and the Caribbean. This disparity places exporters at a disadvantage unless they can manage and reduce emissions or leverage recognized domestic carbon prices.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Carbon emissions impact export competitiveness in Latin America

The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is impacting Latin American export competitiveness by imposing costs on carbon-intensive goods like steel and cement.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carbon-emissions-impact-export-competitiveness-in-latin-america

### 2026-09-01: EU CBAM regulations introduce new certificate obligations for importers in 2027

The EU's CBAM enters a new phase in 2027, requiring importers to manage weekly certificate pricing and maintain quarterly emission coverage for sectors like steel and aluminum.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-cbam-mechanism-introduces-new-certificate-obligations-for-importers-in-2027

### 2026-08-18: India Department of Commerce hosts EU CBAM awareness session

India’s Department of Commerce held an awareness session for exporters to prepare them for the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (EU CBAM) regulatory requirements.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-department-of-commerce-hosts-eu-cbam-awareness-session

### 2026-08-18: South African exporters face new EU sustainability regulations

New EU sustainability regulations, including CBAM and CSRD, are forcing South African exporters to prioritize supply chain transparency to maintain their duty-free trade advantages.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-african-exporters-face-new-eu-sustainability-regulations

### 2026-08-18: EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism creates compliance challenges for global trade

Importers and exporters face rising administrative hurdles as the EU prepares for the 2026 financial phase of its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), requiring strict emissions verification.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism-creates-compliance-challenges-for-global-trade

### 2026-07-28: EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Targets Asian Exporters

EU's CBAM, rolling out 2026‑34, imposes carbon costs on aluminium, cement, electricity, fertilisers, hydrogen and steel imports, pressuring Asian exporters and testing EU‑China trade relations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism-targets-asian-exporters

### 2026-07-21: European steel sector confronts Chinese imports and capacity glut

EU lawmakers and Spanish steel groups warn of Chinese imports and overcapacity threatening jobs and competitiveness, prompting tougher CBAM rules and higher tariffs in 2026.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-steel-sector-confronts-chinese-imports-and-capacity-glut

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Cite as: EU CBAM and trade regulation impacts on global exporters. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eu-carbon-border-adjustment-on-asian-imports