Port Arrivals Surged by 4.41 Million, Iron Ore Closed Flat [SMM Imported Ore Daily Brief]

[SMM Steel] European Union announced new steel import regulations effective July 1, 2026, replacing existing safeguards. Total tariff-rate quotas (TRQ) are set at 18.35 mln mt annually, with duty-free access within quotas and a sharply higher 50% tariff applied beyond quotas (vs. 25% previously). The system will be managed quarterly, with carry-over flexibility in the first year. Key allocations include HRC (~5.2 mln mt) and coated steel products. The measure applies broadly to third countries to curb import surges and protect domestic producers, while also signaling a gradual phase-out of Russian steel imports by 2028.

[SMM Steel] Canada Border Services Agency has initiated anti-dumping and subsidy investigations into Chinese steel rack imports following complaints from domestic producers over market losses. The probe, launched on April 20, 2026, targets roll-formed pallet racks and related components. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will assess industry injury by June 19, while preliminary findings on dumping and subsidies are expected by July 20. The case reflects growing trade protection efforts to counter low-priced imports in the Canadian steel sector.

[SMM Steel] According to American Iron and Steel Institute, US raw steel production totaled 1.83 mln net tons in the week ending April 25, 2026, down 1.0% week on week, with capacity utilization at 79.3%. Despite the weekly decline, output was up 8.7% year on year, reflecting stronger underlying demand. Year-to-date production reached 29.55 mln net tons, rising 6.0% YoY, with utilization at 77.8%, indicating stable operating conditions in the US steel sector.