News / News

New investigation into EU steel safeguard measures.

  • Thu, December 19, 2024
  • 0.5 minute read
The European Commission has announced a new investigation into the revision of its safeguard measures on steel. This inquiry was requested by thirteen EU Member States. The measures in question involve tariff-rate quotas, which allow goods to be imported with reduced or no duties up to a specified limit. These quotas are divided into 26 categories based on historical trade flows. Once the quota is exceeded, imports are subject to a 25% tariff.
New investigation into EU steel safeguard measures.

Originally introduced in 2019, these measures have been extended until 30 June 2026. However, changing global conditions have prompted the Commission to consider a review. Specifically, the investigation addresses a decline in steel demand within the EU, which has widened the gap between import volumes and tariff quotas. Additionally, a shift in the sales market for Chinese steel has resulted in more imports into Europe from other regions.

The primary goal of the assessment is to determine whether an adjustment is necessary to maintain the effectiveness of the safeguard measures. The examination includes the following aspects:

  • Allocation and management of tariff quotas
  • Displacement of traditional trade flows
  • Update of the list of WTO countries not covered by the measures
  • The degree of liberalisation
  • Other changes in circumstances that justify an adjustment of the tariff quotas

The Commission takes into account the various interests. Stakeholders are therefore invited to make their views clear and provide supporting evidence to the Commission. In addition, steel producers and users are invited to complete this questionnaire by 10 January of the coming year. The investigation will conclude by 31 March 2025, with any potential changes taking effect from 1 April 2025.

Related News & Articles
UK-EU import changes 2025: Border checks scrapped for medium-risk fruit and vegetables.

News | 1.5 minute read

UK-EU import changes 2025: Border checks scrapped for medium-risk fruit and vegetables.

The UK Government has announced that import checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU and Switzerland will not be introduced until at least 31 January 2027. This latest decision is part of a broader move to reduce trade barriers and support a forthcoming UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, which aims to streamline food trade by eliminating routine border checks on plant and animal products.
17th EU sanctions package against Russia: Further restrictions on Russia’s energy sector, military supply chains, and shadow fleet.

News | 1.5 minute read

17th EU sanctions package against Russia: Further restrictions on Russia’s energy sector, military supply chains, and shadow fleet.

On 24 May 2025, the EU adopted its 17th sanctions package against Russia, introducing the most extensive set of restrictive measures to date. This package significantly escalates pressure on Russia by curbing its energy revenues, expanding controls on military-use goods, and doubling down on enforcement against the shadow fleet transporting Russian oil. The measures aim to weaken the financial and logistical support underpinning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and add new layers of compliance for EU businesses engaged in international trade.
New proposed UK-US economic prosperity deal: Customs and compliance insights for LSPs and shippers.

News | 1.5 minute read

New proposed UK-US economic prosperity deal: Customs and compliance insights for LSPs and shippers.

The recently announced UK-US trade agreement marks a major step forward in transatlantic economic cooperation. While not yet fully ratified, this proposed deal outlines significant tariff reductions and streamlined customs processes across key sectors. For logistics service providers (LSPs) and shippers, it signals new opportunities for cost savings, faster processing, and more efficient cross-border trade.
The ones who got away (for now): Exemptions on Trumps import regulations.

News | 6 minute read

The ones who got away (for now): Exemptions on Trumps import regulations.

President Trump’s new import tariffs apply globally but include key exemptions for certain goods, sectors, and countries. While a 90-day pause softens some rules, core tariffs on metals, vehicles, and Chinese goods remain, reflecting a complex and unclear trade strategy.