The European Union is planning to tighten controls on steel and aluminium imports to prevent market dumping and restrict countries from blocking waste metal imports. The European Commission is set to seek stricter controls over imports of steel and aluminium due to fears of diverted global supplies being dumped onto its markets. It aims to restrict countries from closing themselves off to waste metal imports as well. The Commission is set to present its final action plan on steel and metals on Wednesday, providing guidelines on how to make European metal production more sustainable and competitive amid trade tensions with the US and fierce global competition. The EU executive is expecting overcapacity to worsen the trade situation in the steel markets after existing safeguard measures expire on 30 June 2026. The document indicates that the Commission will propose a long-term measure by the third quarter of 2025 at the latest to provide an equivalent level of protection to the EU’s steel sector, based on a combination of tariff quotas, security considerations, changes in EU demand, and maintaining a certain level of openness in the EU market.
The European Commission will also launch an investigation for possible safeguard measures for the aluminium sector, as the combination of a loss of substantial market share of EU producers and the recent US tariff on aluminium are likely to worsen the situation with a significant threat of trade diversion from multiple destinations. The document also specifies that existing export restrictions imposed by third countries on exports of waste metals should be countered with reciprocal measures. This reflects the EU’s efforts to ensure fair competition in the steel and aluminium markets and prevent unfair trade practices that could harm European producers. The EU is taking proactive steps to address these challenges and protect its industries from the impact of global overcapacities and trade distortions.
Overall, the EU’s goal is to create a more sustainable and competitive environment for European metal production, while also addressing trade tensions with the US and competition from other global players. The Commission’s actions aim to prevent market dumping and protect against negative trade-related effects caused by global overcapacities, while also maintaining an open market for steel and aluminium imports. By proposing long-term measures to replace existing safeguard measures and investigating possible safeguards for the aluminium sector, the EU is demonstrating its commitment to ensuring a level playing field and protecting its industries from unfair competition. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the EU’s position in the global steel and aluminium markets and support the long-term competitiveness of European metal producers.
In conclusion, the European Commission is taking decisive steps to tighten controls on steel and aluminium imports, prevent market dumping, and address challenges facing the European metal production sector. By proposing new measures to protect against global overcapacities and trade distortions, the Commission is demonstrating its commitment to ensuring fair competition and promoting sustainability in the steel and aluminium markets. The EU’s actions also aim to counter the impact of existing safeguards and US tariffs on aluminium, while addressing the threat of trade diversion from other destinations. Overall, the EU’s efforts to strengthen its position in the steel and aluminium markets reflect its commitment to protecting European industries and ensuring a level playing field for producers in the region.
