The European Union has tightened tariff-free import limits for steel to shield European producers, cutting tariff-free imports by 47% to 18.3 million metric tonnes annually, with duties up to 50% on imports above that limit.

The move responds to global market pressure and alleged Chinese state subsidies that have led to a worldwide steel oversupply.

EU Trade Commissioner emphasizes protecting Europe’s strategic autonomy and industrial strength amid ongoing global overcapacity, especially from China.

The current import regulation expires on June 30, and final adoption by member states and the European Parliament is expected to be routine, allowing the new rules to take effect.

Formal approval is still required but is considered procedural and likely to succeed.

The changes will affect both EU members and non-EU European economies; Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are exempt due to their EEA status, while the UK faces tariffs as a non-EU economy, highlighting ongoing Brexit-related trade frictions.

A mechanism allows unused quarterly quotas to be carried over to the next quarter, preserving flexibility.

The coverage notes related context and links to Belga News Agency about ArcelorMittal’s broader European strategy and EU energy-price measures.

Earlier in the year, ArcelorMittal warned its Ghent Tailored Blanks unit could close, risking about 90 jobs amid losses and competition; Ghent employs around 4,500 people amid weaker car-sector demand.

ArcelorMittal’s Ghent plant could benefit from the stricter regime by reducing foreign competition and boosting utilization of European sites, potentially improving profitability.