What is the new tariff rate that the EU has agreed to impose on imported steel?

The EU has agreed to double the steel import tariff rate to 50 percent to protect its domestic industry.

By what percentage will the EU's duty-free quota for steel imports be reduced?

The EU has agreed to significantly cut the duty-free quota for imported steel by 47 percent.

Which countries are excluded from the newly proposed steel tariff measures?

The European Economic Area member states, namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, are excluded.

Why does the EU use the year 2013 as a benchmark for the imported steel quota?

The year 2013 saw global steel overproduction, market imbalance, and heavy Chinese domestic subsidies.

What is the annual volume limit of the reduced duty-free quota for imported steel?

Under the new agreement, the duty-free quota will be reduced to 18.3 million tons per year.

EU Proposes Doubling Steel Tariffs to 50% to Block Cheap Chinese Steel Impact

Published Apr 14, 2026 11:16 AM ・ Updated Jun 17, 2026 9:28 AM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

The EU legislative bodies and national governments have agreed to double tariffs on foreign steel to 50% and significantly cut duty-free quotas by 47% to protect the EU steel industry from the impact of cheap Chinese steel. This move addresses global steel overcapacity, reducing the duty-free quota to 18.3 million tons annually, based on 2013 levels. The new measures will apply to all steel-importing countries, excluding Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

(Central News Agency, Brussels, April 13, Comprehensive Foreign Report) EU legislative bodies and national governments today agreed to double tariffs on foreign steel to protect the EU's steel industry from the impact of cheap competition from countries like China.

Agence France-Presse reported that representatives from EU governments and the European Parliament reached an agreement late at night to raise import tariffs on steel to 50% and significantly cut the duty-free quota by 47%.

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic stated: "The European steel industry stands firm globally and is crucial for our strategic autonomy and industrial strength, so we cannot turn a blind eye to the critical level of global overcapacity."

He said: "Today's decision will help bring much-needed stability to our manufacturers, allowing the steel industry to thrive in Europe."

Under this agreement, the EU's duty-free quota for imported steel will be reduced to 18.3 million tons per year, which was the EU's total import volume in 2013.

The EU uses 2013 as a benchmark because that year saw global steel overproduction and market imbalance, and Chinese authorities heavily subsidized their domestic steel producers. China's steel production now accounts for more than half of the world's total output.

The new measures will be implemented for all countries importing steel into the EU, with the exception of European Economic Area member states Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

This proposal will be sent to the European Council and the European Parliament for formal approval before taking effect.

The current steel tariffs will end at the end of June, with a 25% tariff currently imposed on steel exceeding the duty-free quota. (Compiler: Chi Chin-ling) 1150414

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Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: regulation

EU Proposes Doubling Steel Tariffs to 50% to Block Cheap Chinese Steel Impact

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