Eurometal calls on the EU to take action on imports of steel derivatives

Eurometal, an association representing European distributors of steel, pipes, and metal products, has called on the European Commission to take decisive action to combat the threat posed by imports of steel derivatives, as well as regulatory gaps in the bloc’s trade protection. This was reported by S&P Global.

In a letter addressed to the EC last week, the association points to a number of relevant issues. In particular, it refers to the circumvention of existing CBAM rules by steel-containing finished products, the long delay in determining the reference values for the cross-border carbon adjustment mechanism, and the need for immediate action on new steel import quotas.

Eurometal stressed that the uncontrolled surge in steel derivative supplies is undermining the bloc’s industry. Such products often circumvent existing trade defense instruments and CBAM measures, entering the market at low prices with unaccounted-for embedded carbon emissions.

The association warns that this loophole, among other things, leads to unfair competition and carbon leakage.

Eurometal insists on the need to extend CBAM and trade measures to steel-containing derivatives based on steel content and strategic importance to the sector. In addition, it criticized the postponement of the final determination of CBAM reference values until early 2026.

The association believes that Europe should take the same tough stance as the US’s expanded Section 232 measures and steel origin tracking rules (“smelting and casting”), which have restricted imports of steel derivatives from high-carbon subsidized producers. The association called on the EU to apply accelerated protective measures for strategic sectors, introduce mandatory declarations of steel origin at customs, and strengthen customs controls.

As a reminder, the EC will propose to almost halve steel import quotas and increase duties on volumes exceeding these levels to 50%, in line with the tariffs introduced by the US and Canada. The institution will officially present a new package of measures for the steel sector on October 7.