The European Commission is intensifying efforts to safeguard the future of the EU steel industry as it faces mounting challenges, including high energy costs, decarbonization pressures, and the looming threat of U.S. tariffs. On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hosted a high-level meeting with steel sector executives to discuss strategies for ensuring the industry’s resilience.
The meeting comes just days before U.S. President Donald Trump is set to impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, a move that could divert a flood of steel exports to the EU market. Attendees included executives from major steelmakers like ArcelorMittal and ThyssenKrupp, as well as representatives from key steel-using industries such as automotive and construction.
The EU currently has safeguard measures in place, including tariff-free quotas for steel imports, introduced in 2018 in response to Trump’s initial tariffs. However, these measures are set to expire in mid-2026 under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. The European Commission is exploring options to extend or replace these safeguards, potentially tightening regulations to prevent sudden import surges that could harm EU producers.
“The 18 million tons, which the U.S. is today importing with the exemptions, will have to find another place, and they are looking for an open market, which is the European Union,” said Axel Eggert, director general of Eurofer, the European Steel Association.
The EU steel industry, which supports over 2.5 million jobs, has already faced significant challenges, including declining demand and the loss of 18,000 jobs in 2023. The bloc’s iron and steel imports totaled €39.5 billion ($41.5 billion) last year, while exports to the U.S. were worth €5.4 billion, according to Eurostat.
The Commission plans to present a comprehensive strategy on March 19, focusing on sector-specific actions, long-term measures, and support for low-carbon steel production. Key topics include energy prices, raw material supply, and the role of low-carbon hydrogen in decarbonizing the industry.
“The rest of the world is protecting its domestic steel industry, while Europe is simply looking that there is an open market without reacting with firm measures—this will now change,” Eggert added.
As the EU steel industry navigates these challenges, the Commission’s efforts aim to balance competitiveness, sustainability, and trade fairness in a rapidly evolving global market.