President Ursula von der Leyen conducted a high-level dialogue today with representatives of the steel and metals industry to examine the ramifications of the United States tariffs on steel, aluminum, and related derivative products. The primary objective of this exchange was to collect industry insights and proposals for a coherent and effective response from the European Union to the aforementioned US measures.
The representatives expressed their support for the European Commission’s Steel and Metals Action Plan and the Clean Industrial Deal, advocating for their expedited implementation. They articulated significant concerns regarding the broader implications of the US tariffs, particularly their impact on derivatives and the increased risk of trade diversion.
There was a consensus on the urgent need for the European Union to propose new trade defence measures for steel beyond the current safeguards scheduled to expire in June 2026. This is particularly pertinent in light of potential export deflection from other major steel-producing nations into the European market.
Furthermore, the participants highlighted the alarming decrease in volumes of scrap materials available for recycling within the European Union. They called for effective measures to ensure the retention of sufficient scrap volumes domestically. The importance of local content requirements was also underlined, with a strong emphasis on the substantial potential of public procurement in this context.
Concerning the Carbon Border Adjustment Measures (CBAM), the attendees welcomed the European Commission’s expedited review process, mainly to close existing loopholes.
The Commission President and industry representatives agreed to maintain ongoing communication to safeguard the industry’s and its workforce’s interests during this period of significant volatility.
