Eurofer welcomes new EU steel trade regime as "game changer"

The European Steel Association (Eurofer) has welcomed the entry into force of the European Union's new steel trade measure, describing it as a major shift in EU trade and industrial policy that could help restore up to 15 million tonnes of European steel production.

The new regime replaces the previous safeguard system with a strengthened tariff-rate quota (TRQ) mechanism featuring lower tariff-free import quotas, higher duties on imports exceeding quota limits, enhanced monitoring and stronger anti-circumvention measures. According to Eurofer, the framework is intended not only to address import surges but also to protect Europe's steelmaking capacity and support the sector's decarbonization.

Industry sees opportunity for recovery

Commenting on the new measures, Eurofer Director General Axel Eggert described the regime as "a game changer for Europe's steel industry."

"It paves the way for restoring up to 15 million tonnes of lost European steel production," Eggert said. "After years of mounting pressure, the EU has recognised that maintaining steel production is fundamental to Europe's competitiveness, security and decarbonisation."

At the same time, Eurofer emphasized that the new rules are not intended to restrict international trade. According to the association, around 18.3 million tonnes of steel will continue to enter the EU tariff-free each year under the quota system.

"This is not about pulling up the drawbridge on steel trade," Eggert said. "Europe will remain one of the world's most open steel markets."

Calls for further industrial measures

While welcoming the new trade framework, Eurofer argued that additional measures will be needed to strengthen the competitiveness of the European steel industry. The association called for lower industrial energy costs, greater investment in low-carbon steel production, the creation of lead markets for European steel and the extension of trade protection to steel-containing downstream products.

Eurofer also highlighted the importance of improving traceability in steel imports. The European Commission's consultation on mandatory Mill Test Certificates (MTCs), including "melted and poured" information, closes on July 2.

According to Eggert, improved traceability is essential to the effectiveness of the new trade regime. "Knowing where steel is melted and poured is fundamental to making this measure work," he said, adding that responsibility for certifying origin should rest with producers rather than importers.

Source and Photo: Eurofer