Podcast: exploring the EU’s steel trade defence proposals 

MEPS’s new Speaking of Steel podcast explores the implications of the European Commission’s plans to replace its current steel import safeguard measures.

Steel market analyst Jon Carruthers-Green sets out the key features of the new proposals in the 20-minute episode offering insight into how the new trade defence mechanism is likely to affect steel supply, demand and prices. 

He also shares analysis of the expected replacement for the current EU tariff-rate quotas, reflects on speculation about the measures’ possible implementation date and considers the likelihood that key EU trade partners could respond with retaliatory tariffs. 

Speaking to MEPS managing editor, Tom Sharpe, on this month’s podcast, Carruthers-Green said: “There's been a huge amount of worry within the industry about exactly what's going to replace the existing safeguard measures.  

“After months of waiting and a lot of speculation, we finally got to find out what the replacement was going to be.” 

MEPS’s free-to-view Speaking of Steel podcast series is available, on demand, via all major podcast platforms. Click on one of the below links to access the latest episode: 

YouTube 

Spotify 

Apple Podcasts 

European Commission executive vice-president Stéphane Séjourné and commissioner Maroš Šefčovič initially outlined the bloc’s plans for a replacement trade defence mechanism for steel on October 7. The existing import safeguard measures are due to expire at the end of June, 2026, eight years after their introduction. 

The proposed measures would reduce the tariff-free annual steel import quotas by 47%, from 33 million tonnes to 18m tonnes. They would also increase the above-quota tariff rate from 25% to 50%. 

MEPS’s research for this month’s European Steel Review shows that uncertainty about the new mechanism is already influencing the EU steel market. Many buyers are concerned that the new trade defence measure could be implemented before July 1.  Combined with uncertainty about the cost of CBAM taxes, due to be implemented from January 1, 2026, this has stopped most buyers from placing new overseas orders. 

MEPS's European Steel Review features steel prices, indices, commentaries and forecasts covering Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Contact MEPS for details of how to subscribe.