The European Commission announced today that it has begun collecting evidence and conducting targeted consultations on a future trade measure aimed at protecting the EU steel industry from the negative effects of global overcapacity. The initiative is intended to replace the current steel safeguard measure, which expires on June 30, 2026.
The Commission seeks to draw the attention of stakeholders to the development of a highly effective and promising tool to address the following issues:
Record levels of overcapacity in the world, especially by government agencies.- subsidized producers in third countriesTrade diversification risks compounded by the recent increase in U.S. tariffs (currently by 50%) on steel and aluminumContinued import pressure at low prices on the EU market, while demand in the EU remains lowThe urgent need for a secure investment environment for decarbonization and long-term competitiveness of EU steel mills
Read the consultation here: Questionnaire on measures in the field of steel production for the period after 2026
Deadline for submitting reviews: August 15, 2025
This upcoming measure is expected to take the form of new regulation in the third quarter of 2025, replacing existing protective measures, with a focus on stronger and more targeted protection against a sharp increase in imports, addressing the broader impact of systemic global overcapacity, and supporting the EU Steel and Metals Action Plan and broader program to increase the competitiveness of industry.
