The European Commission has opened today a Call for Evidence and Targeted Consultation on a future trade measure aimed at protecting the EU steel industry from the negative effects of global overcapacity. The initiative is designed to replace the current steel safeguard measure, which is set to expire on 30 June 2026.
The Commission is seeking stakeholder input to shape a highly effective and future-proof instrument to address:
- Record levels of global overcapacity, particularly from state-subsidised producers in third countries
- Trade diversion risks, worsened by recent US tariff hikes (now 50%) on steel and aluminium
- Persistent low-price import pressure on the EU market, while EU demand remains subdued
- The urgent need to secure investment conditions for the decarbonisation and long-term competitiveness of EU steelmakers
Access the consultation here: Post-2026 Steel Measures Questionnaire
Feedback deadline: 15 August 2025
This upcoming measure, expected in Q3 2025, could take the form of a new Regulation replacing the current safeguard, with a focus on: stronger, more targeted protection against injurious surges in imports, addressing the broader impact of systemic global overcapacity and supporting the EU’s Steel and Metals Action Plan and broader industrial competitiveness agenda.
