In the second half of 2025, steel exports from European Union countries to the United States of America decreased by 30% compared to the same period last year. The reason for this sharp decline was the American tariffs of 50% that came into effect this year.
This is reported by Finway
Impact of Tariffs and Threats to European Metallurgy
The European Steel Producers Association EUROFER stated that this reduction in exports indicates serious harm to European producers and their customers. According to EUROFER’s Director General Axel Eggert, the expansion of the US tariff regime on products with a high steel content, particularly in machinery and equipment, is putting additional pressure on the metallurgy sector.
“The decline in exports over six months is a clear signal of the damage to European producers and their customers.”
Prospects for a New Trade Agreement and Market Challenges
The issue of tariffs will be a central topic during discussions on the upcoming trade agreement between the EU and the US, scheduled for the meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade on February 24. Representatives of the European metallurgy sector insist that the new agreement must ensure reciprocity, predictability, and effective response mechanisms in the event that high tariffs persist.
There is also growing concern about the risk of increased indirect steel imports through finished products. According to worldsteel data, steel imports in the form of products to the EU rose from 96 million tons in 2014 to 121 million tons in 2024. Meanwhile, indirect steel exports from China have nearly doubled over the past five years, reaching 137 million tons.
The current protective measures of the EU regarding steel imports will expire in June. Therefore, a new trade mechanism must be agreed upon by July 1, which, according to industry demands, should cover not only rolled products but also steel-containing goods. This is necessary to prevent the redirection of global excess capacities to the European market.