- A strong steel industry that emits very little or no CO2 is crucial for the EU's competitiveness, economic security and strategic independence. This is according to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The announcement comes in connection with the fact that the European Commission on Tuesday proposes to protect Europe's steel sector with the use of tariffs.
The European Commission thus wants to use the same weapon that US President Donald Trump has been criticized for introducing against the EU. Specifically, the European Commission proposes to limit duty-free imports of steel to 18.3 million tonnes per year. This is a reduction of 47 percent compared to the 2024 steel quotas.
The European Commission also wants to double the tariff rate outside the quota to 50 percent. At the same time, traceability on steel markets will be strengthened to prevent circumvention.
- Global overcapacity is damaging our industry. We need to act now. I call on the Council and the Parliament to move forward quickly, says von der Leyen.
She thus refers to the fact that the proposal requires the support of the EU countries and the EU Parliament in order to enter into force. Despite the increased duties to ensure "strong and permanent protection of the EU steel industry", the EU Commission believes that the proposal maintains the principle of free trade.
- The proposed measure is fully in line with WTO rules, states the EU Commission.
According to the Commission, the aim is to strengthen cooperation with global partners to "combat overcapacity". However, a number of countries are exempted from the proposal.
- Given the close and unique integration into the EU internal market under the EEA Agreement, exports from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein will not be subject to tariff quotas or duties, states the EU Commission.
Special consideration will also be given to Ukraine. This is because Ukraine "is facing an exceptional and urgent security situation," the European Commission states.
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