[SMM Steel] EU Approves Stricter Steel Safeguard Measures with 50% Out-of-Quota Tariff

Published: May 20, 2026 17:10

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[SMM Steel] The European Parliament approved new steel safeguard measures effective from July 1, pending final approval by EU member states. The new regime sets a 18.3 million mt annual steel tariff-rate quota with a 50% out-of-quota duty covering 30 steel product categories and country-specific quotas. EU officials said the measures will apply equally to all third countries, including Ukraine and FTA partners. Some lawmakers supported stricter import controls to protect the EU steel industry, while others warned that high energy costs, decarbonization policies, and EU ETS-related costs continue to pressure European steelmakers.

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