EU initiates protective investigation into import of electrical equipment sheets

The European Commission has announced that it has initiated a protective investigation into certain types of grain-oriented silicon-electric steel flat products. The investigation is aimed at determining whether protective measures are necessary to protect EU producers from the recent surge in imports.

Sharp increase in imports

According to the information provided to the Commission, total imports of grain-oriented electrical steel increased significantly, increasing from 91,362 tons in 2021 to 191,056 tons between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, an increase of 109 percent.

Global overcapacity is a concern

The Commission stressed that the global reserve capacity for grain-oriented electrical steel is estimated at about 630,000 tons, which exceeds the total EU consumption by 64 percent. In addition, increased trade protection measures imposed by third countries restrict access to other markets, potentially pushing more exports to the EU.

If the investigation confirms the need for action, temporary protective measures may be imposed within four to five months. If such measures are taken, final measures should follow within 200 days, with the overall process expected to be completed within 9-11 months of the start of the investigation.

Grain-oriented electrical steel is not subject to tariff quotas, but is imported from China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and