EU proposes further 3-year exemption from steel safeguard measures, anti-dumping duties for Ukraine
Ukraine’s exemption from EU safeguard measures, initially granted in June 2022 after the Russian invasion, has been renewed twice already – in June 2023 and June 2024.
Unlike previous extensions, the new exemption will apply for three more years and, if approved by the European Council and Parliament, will come into force on June 6.
The Commission said it is also “currently working on a longer-term solution [to] provide economic certainty and a stable framework for trade to both Ukraine and the EU.”
Europe is Ukraine’s largest trading partner, with significant steel exports to countries such as Poland, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Greece, and Moldova.
The news of the proposed extension comes amid an ongoing review of EU safeguard measures, which was announced on December 17, 2024 and is expected to conclude by March 31.
Trump doubles tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminium to 50% in trade retaliation
The energy tariff was imposed in retaliation to Trump’s restoration of Section 232 tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium from Canada and Mexico that was announced last month and is slated to go into effect on Wednesday March 12.
Trump announced the increase in tariffs for Canada on Tuesday March 11 on his Truth Social platform, claiming Canada was “one of the highest tariffing nations anywhere in the world.
“I will shortly be declaring a National Emergency on Electricity within the threatened area [of Minnesota, New York and Michigan.] This will allow the US to quickly do what has to be done to alleviate this abusive threat from Canada,” the president said in the post.
Trump also called on Canada to “immediately drop their Anti-American farmer tariff of 250-390% on various US dairy products, which has long been considered outrageous.”
The US president promised additional tariff retaliation against Canada when it announces reciprocal tariffs on trading partners on April 2.
“If other egregious, long time tariffs are not likewise dropped by Canada, I will substantially increase, on April 2, the tariffs on cars coming into the US which will, essentially, permanently shut down the automobile manufacturing business in Canada. Those cars can easily be made in the USA!” Trump wrote in his Truth Social post.
He reiterated his contention that Canada relies on the US for military protection and “pays very little for national security.”
“We are subsidizing Canada to the tune of more than $200 billion a year. Why? This cannot continue,” Trump said, restating his call for Canada “to be become the 51st state, a move that make all tariffs, and everything else, totally disappear” and lower taxes for Canadians.
“The artificial line of separation drawn many years ago will finally disappear, and we will have the safest and most beautiful nation anywhere in the world — And your brilliant anthem, ‘O Canada,’ will continue to play, but now representing a great and powerful state within the greatest nation that world has ever seen,” Trump said.
Eusider Trading joined as Member of EUROMETAL
EUROMETAL is delighted to welcome Eusider Trading as a new member company.
Eusider Trading SA, established in Switzerland in 2019, specializes in the global trading of flat and long steel products, as well as raw materials, with a particular focus on Metallics. The company procures high-quality materials worldwide, supplying key markets across Europe, MENA, and Latin America.
A strong emphasis is placed on coils, especially coated materials sourced from top-tier suppliers, which are regularly distributed to major steel service centers and stockists worldwide.
Thanks to the leadership of their CEO, Marco Micciché, and the active role of experienced steel professionals coming from previous engagements in primary international steel trade companies, Eusider Trading has expanded its reach and solidified its presence in global markets over the past five years.
Discover more: eusidertrading.com
