EU Plans Tougher Controls on Steel and Aluminium Imports to Protect Domestic Industry

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New Measures Aim to Counter Global Oversupply and Strengthen European Metal Production

The European Commission is preparing stricter controls on steel and aluminium imports amid growing fears of global overcapacity. A draft action plan reveals that the Commission seeks to prevent large volumes of cheap metal from flooding the European market and destabilizing domestic industries.

The plan also targets foreign restrictions on metal scrap exports, which threaten the European Union’s push for a stronger circular economy.

Protective Framework for Steel Industry Coming by Late 2025

The draft highlights that global overcapacity could worsen the steel market once current safeguard measures expire on 30 June 2026. To address this, the Commission proposes a new, long-term protective framework by the third quarter of 2025.

The future model will use tariff-rate quotas and consider security, market resilience, and evolving EU demand. It aims to maintain a balance between protecting European steelmakers and keeping markets somewhat open to fair competition.

Officials stress that the new measures must enter into force without delay to ensure continuous protection after the current rules lapse.

Aluminium Sector Faces Rising Threats from Trade Diversions

The Commission also plans a detailed assessment of the aluminium market. New US tariffs on aluminium imports could push excess supply toward Europe, posing a serious threat to EU producers.

European aluminium companies, already struggling with market share losses, face the risk of further pressure from diverted trade flows. The Commission warns that action may be necessary to safeguard the sector’s future competitiveness.

The final version of the action plan is expected to be presented soon.