【SMM Iron & Steel】UK-EU Steel Quota Dispute Escalates, Bilateral Trade Tensions Rise

Published: Jun 5, 2026 16:25

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The UK Business Secretary is set to meet the EU Trade Commissioner in Brussels, raising concerns over the EU's plan to cut duty-free steel

import quotas for non-EU countries by 47% from 2024 levels, effective July 1.

The move threatens UK steel exports significantly. Meanwhile, the EU steel association has pushed back against the UK's own quota reductions,

with products including hot-rolled coil, tinplate, and rebar at risk. Both sides are tightening steel trade protections

in response to Chinese competition and global overcapacity, but the quota adjustments risk deepening bilateral trade friction.

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