The European Union presented details of new steel import rules, including quota levels, and made some changes regarding the implementation of the measures. The new regulation aims to address the trade-related negative impacts of global steel market overcapacity and replaces existing safeguards that expire in June 2026 and are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026. 18,345,922 tons, while imports within the quota will remain duty-free and volumes exceeding the quota will be subject to a 50 percent tariff, a sharp increase from the previous safeguard duty of 25 percent, as previously reported SteelOrbis .
This measure is widely applied to all third countries, including countries with free trade agreements or preferential access, strengthening EU efforts to prevent trade diversion and protect domestic producers. However, imports from Norway, Iceland and liechtenstein are excluded from the scope of this measure.
The European Commission also retains the right to expand the scope to include downstream steel products in future reviews.
Quarterly quota management and flexibility mechanisms
Tariff rate quotas will be introduced quarterly to prevent a sharp increase in imports within a short time. periods. During the first year of implementation, unused quotas will be carried forward to subsequent quarters. However, the Commission may later adjust this rule depending on market conditions, including import pressures and supply shortages.
Future reviews
The European Commission will:
- regularly review production volumes,
- Assess the effectiveness of the measure every three years,
- Potentially adjust the volume of quotas in the range of 14.4-22.2 million tons depending on the market situation.
Annual volumes of tariff rate quotas for some types of metal products are indicated below.
