UPDATE: EU implements new steel import quota regime

The implementing regulation distributes tariff quotas across 26 steel product categories and sets out country-specific quota allocations for eligible exporting countries. Products without dedicated country-specific quotas will be subject to residual quotas administered on a first-come, first-served basis.

For Chinese exporters, the regulation establishes country-specific tariff quotas for selected steel product categories, while exports of products without dedicated allocations will compete under the residual quota system.

Under the new regime, the EU has opened duty-free tariff quotas totaling about 18.3 million tonnes. Imports exceeding the allocated quotas will be subject to a 50% out-of-quota duty, compared with 25% under the previous steel safeguard measures, as Mysteel Global reported.

The implementing regulation completes the legal framework for Regulation (EU) 2026/1384, which replaced the EU's steel safeguard measures following their expiry on June 30. According to the European Commission, the new measures are intended to address the negative trade-related effects of global steel overcapacity while maintaining traditional trade flows.

The tariff quota allocations apply from July 1 through December 31 2026.

Edited by Vivian Yang, yangzhenqi@mysteel.com