The European Commission is preparing to introduce stricter controls on steel and aluminium imports. This follows increasing concerns that global overproduction could lead to large quantities of metal being dumped on the European market.
A draft of a new action plan reveals that the Commission also aims to counter foreign restrictions on the export of metal scrap. This practice could otherwise hamper the development of a circular economy within the European Union.
The final version of the plan is scheduled to be presented soon. It outlines measures to strengthen Europe's domestic metal production from both environmental and competitive perspectives, at a time when global trade tensions are on the rise.
Stricter import checks to prevent market disruption
– The Commission expects overcapacity to further aggravate the situation in the steel market once current safeguard measures expire on 30 June 2026, the document states.
The draft proposes that by the third quarter of 2025, the EU should present a new, long-term protective framework for the European steel industry. The goal is to ensure that the industry remains shielded after existing measures end.
According to the Commission, the new model will be based on tariff-rate quotas and will consider factors such as security, resilience, and changes in EU demand. At the same time, a degree of market openness will be maintained.
– The timing of the proposal is intended to ensure that the new measure enters into force promptly and provides the same level of protection as the current rules, the document adds.
The aluminium sector faces increasing pressure
The Commission is also planning to investigate whether new safeguard measures are needed for the aluminium sector. European aluminium producers have lost substantial market shares, and new tariffs imposed by the United States on aluminium imports could cause trade flows to shift towards Europe.
– There is a significant threat of trade diversion from several regions, worsening the situation, the Commission warns.
Source: European Commission draft action plan
