By 36 votes in favour and 2 against, with 5 abstentions, MEPs on the International Trade Committee have adopted their position on the proposed regulation to counteract the negative trade-related effects of the global steel production surplus on the Union market. The global steel safeguards in place since 2018 under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) will expire on 30 June 2026.

The approved text envisages lower import quotas, limiting tariff-free import volumes to 18.3 million tonnes a year – a reduction of 47% compared with 2024 steel quotas. It would also apply a 50% customs duty to imports above the quota and to steel goods not covered by the quota.

The draft regulation seeks to strengthen the traceability of imported steel products by clarifying the evidence to be provided by importers on the origin of their steel.

Members reiterated the need for the new regulation to comply with WTO rules and asked the Commission to monitor the impact of the regulation and assess the…