In April 2025, the EU tightened steel import quotas by 15% and is developing a new system to replace current safeguards before their expiration in 2026.

Currently, the EU is negotiating a trade agreement with India, which is expected to conclude by the end of 2025, amid concerns over potential steel dumping.

Henne warned that if trade negotiations with India do not yield favorable outcomes, there is a high risk of Indian steel flooding the market, similar to the challenges posed by Chinese steel.

The EU is also concerned that Chinese steel and aluminum production may be redirected from the U.S. to Europe, exacerbating the existing supply glut due to state aid.

Henne emphasized the importance of ensuring the survival of industries like steel by utilizing available defense instruments.

She noted that approximately 3 to 4 million tons of Russian steel still enter Europe annually, and eliminating these imports could significantly bolster the EU steel sector.

Ilse Henne, a Thyssenkrupp executive, emphasized that the EU has existing tools to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and Chinese overcapacity on its steel industry.

In addition to addressing steel, the EU is exploring the implementation of aluminum safeguards and considering potential export duties on metal scrap.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EU imposed a ban on steel imports from Russia, which is being phased out gradually.