[SMM Iron & Steel] India: NMDC Iron Ore Production Rises 16% Year-on-Year in April

Some limited imports of Russian-origin steel products, notably slab, will continue until 30 September 2028 under transitional arrangements laid down in existing EU restrictive measures, Despite requests from some European re-rollers for extensions, the EU's 20th sanctions package tightens the net, forcing mills to accelerate sourcing from Brazil, India, and other ex-China origins to secure long-term supply.

Passenger car registrations in the EU increased by 4% in the first quarter of 2026, with a significant 12.5% jump in March alone. This recovery in the automotive sector is a critical demand driver for flat steel products (HRC/CRC), providing much-needed support for European steelmakers facing high operational costs.

On April 27, 2026, the European Union finalized the details of a new steel protection regulation scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, replacing the previous safeguard measures. The new regulation sets a total annual tariff-rate quota of approximately 18.35 million metric tonnes. Crucially, imports exceeding these quotas will now face a 50% punitive tariff (up from the previous 25% safeguard duty), reflecting a significantly more aggressive stance against global overcapacity. The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to fully phase out remaining Russian steel imports, particularly slabs, by September 30, 2028.