MYSTEEL: EU's new origin rule puts China, Indonesia stainless exports on edge

The European Union's new "melt-and-pour" origin rule for steel, effective October 1, is set to reshape stainless steel exports from Indonesia and China. The rule tightens traceability requirements from the outset and, from October 2027, links melt-and-pour data to import quota allocation.

The rule does not impose new tariffs directly, but significantly strengthens origin tracing requirements, closing a loophole that allows third-country processing to disguise the true origin of steel and to circumvent EU trade defense measures, sources note. Under the provision, importers must identify the country where the steel was originally