Assofermet has raised serious concerns over the impact of the newly announced 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports by the Trump administration. These measures, effective from March 12, 2025, could severely impact the European steel industry, particularly exporters that rely on the US market, which accounted for 16% of total EU steel exports in 2024.
One of the major risks highlighted by Assofermet is the potential domino effect—as Asian steel suppliers face US tariffs, they may redirect their exports to the EU market, potentially destabilizing European supply chains and creating additional pressure on EU producers. The association warns that the EU’s economic balance is already fragile, and further disruptions could harm manufacturing industries that rely on steel and aluminum.
Assofermet is urging the EU to rethink its approach to trade protection, ensuring that not only steel producers but also manufacturers and end-users are safeguarded. The association warns that if domestic demand weakens, the industry could suffer long-term competitiveness losses.
For more details, read the full Assofermet Position Paper.