CBAM: EU steel lobby says importers are experiencing difficulties as the Commission touts the "successful" launch of CBAM
On January 14, the European Commission announced that the full implementation of the Carbon Dioxide Emissions Control Mechanism (CBAM), which began on January 1, had been successful.
CBAM imports reported during this first six-day reporting period totaled 1.66 million tons, 98% of which were steel and cast iron; these materials have already dominated during the CBAM transition period in 2023-2025.
However, for some importers, the picture is much less rosy.
Alexander Julius, president of EUROMETAL, which lobbies for steel and metal products, told Contexte that the first two weeks of the tax were "marked by confusion and uncertainty," which was especially difficult for small businesses.
According to him, the companies "did not have a real opportunity to properly prepare," as important operational documents were published the day before the launch.
New supply contracts have also slowed after January, Julius added, as many companies are waiting for "more clarity and risk assessment before proceeding with further imports."
Author: Mariette Tom
Contexte.com