China is negotiating with the EU regarding the bloc’s new restrictions on steel imports

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has criticized the new European safeguard measures

China is negotiating with the European Union within the framework of the World Trade Organization regarding the bloc’s new steel import restrictions scheduled to take effect on July 1. This was stated by He Yadong, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, according to the Global Times.

According to him, the EU’s actions are protectionist in nature; not only will they fail to support the competitiveness of the European steel industry, but they will also seriously impact bilateral trade in steel products and disrupt the stability of the global supply chain.

The ministry spokesperson added that China hopes to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome through these negotiations. However, if the EU discriminates against Chinese companies and products, China will take appropriate measures to protect its rights.

Starting July 1, the EU intends to introduce lower import quotas for steel—duty-free import volumes will be limited to 18.3 million tons per year (a 47% decrease compared to 2024). In addition, a 50% tariff (instead of the current 25%) will apply to imports exceeding the quota and to steel products not covered by the quotas.

It should be noted that the UK is negotiating with the EU regarding an exemption from steel import quotas, according to the country’s Trade Minister Chris Bryant. The UK, for its part, plans to reduce its duty-free quota for steel products by 60% starting July 1, 2026, and impose a 50% tariff on imports exceeding that quota.

As reported by GMK Center, the Turkish Steel Producers Association (TCUD) noted that the new EU quota system will reduce the country’s share of the European market.