The EU may impose tariffs of 25-50% on Chinese steel – Handelsblatt

The European Commission plans to impose tariffs of 25% to 50% on Chinese steel and related products in the coming weeks. This was reported by the German newspaper Handelsblatt, citing senior officials in Brussels.

According to the publication, the EU also plans to link public procurement to the “Buy European” rule. In particular, subways, bridges, and railroad tracks will be built using green steel from Europe in the future.

According to Handelsblatt, European Commissioner for Industry Stéphane Séjourné said that Europe has no choice but to find a new balance. This requires fewer internal trade barriers with an effective internal market, as well as protective measures to restore balance with partners who no longer follow any rules.

According to data from the China Iron and Steel Association, Reuters writes that the country supplied 368,000 tons of steel to the bloc last year, accounting for about 4% of its total exports for the period.

Analysts said the impact of EU tariffs on Chinese steel at the reported levels is likely to be minimal, given the relatively small export volumes.

According to China Trade Remedies Information, approximately 54 tariffs and other trade barriers have been imposed on Chinese steel since 2024.

Recall that EUROFER welcomed the commitment of European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic to present protective measures for steel by mid-October to replace the existing ones. In addition, the EC will continue to seek a common approach with the US on protection against excess capacity in the global steel industry, including resolving the issue of 50% US tariffs on European steel and its derivatives.