EU Doubles Steel Tariffs to 50 Percent to Curb Chinese Imports

The European Union reached a political agreement on April 14 to overhaul its steel import regime to protect domestic producers from low-cost foreign exports, specifically those from China's subsidized industry. Starting July 1, 2026, the bloc will increase import tariffs to 50 percent and reduce tariff-free quotas by 47 percent to 18.3 million tons annually, returning to 2013 import levels. These measures replace a WTO safeguard mechanism expiring on June 30.

The deal includes a commitment to phase out Russian steel imports by September 2028 and implements stricter traceability rules regarding where steel is melted and poured. The reform follows a period of historic output lows and the loss of 100,000 jobs since 2008, exacerbated by import pressures and 50 percent tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

While the policy targets China, it also impacts the United Kingdom, which exports 1.8 million tonnes of steel to the EU annually. In response, the Government of the United Kingdom announced plans to impose its own 50 percent tariffs on third-country imports and cut its quotas by 60 percent starting July 1. Industry bodies such as UK Steel and Eurofer have called for a mutual agreement to ensure market stability between the two integrated sectors.

The provisional agreement now awaits formal approval from the European Parliament and the European Council.