EUROFER: Steel imports to the EU increased by 14% in 2025, despite continued volatility

According to the Economic and Steel Market Outlook 2026-2027/Q1 2025 report by the Economic Committee of the European Steel Association (EUROFER), total steel imports entering the EU, including semi-finished products, increased by 14 percent year-on-year in 2025. During the same period, imports of sheet steel to the EU increased by seven percent year-on-year, while imports of long steel increased by 17 percent.

Imports as a whole remained extremely volatile, continuing the fluctuations observed over the past four years. In 2025, trade dynamics were largely shaped by U.

S. tariffs and increased uncertainty in global markets, especially in the second half of the year. This environment has led to a decline in EU exports, while imports have increased.

Despite continued volatility, import volumes remained at historically high levels, leading to a significant share of imports in steel consumption in the EU and a further widening of the trade deficit with third countries.

In 2025, imports of finished steel to the EU were mainly carried out from Turkey, South Korea, Indonesia, China, India, Ukraine and Taiwan. In the first eight months of the year, the five largest suppliers accounted for 54 percent of total imports. Turkey became the leading supplier with a share of 16.5%, followed by South Korea with 11.4%, Indonesia with 9%, China with 8.7%, India with 8% and Ukraine with 7%.

Import figures varied by country. Shipments