EU Parliament tightens steel quotas by 47%, fully bans Russian and Belarusian steel
The International Trade Committee voted to cap duty-free steel imports at 18.3 million tonnes per year — a 47% reduction — and impose 50% duties on above-quota imports. All Russian and Belarusian steel imports are banned.
Members of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee adopted their position on the proposed regulation aimed at addressing the negative trade effects of global steel overcapacity on the Union market, with 36 votes in favour, 2 against, and 5 abstentions. The global steel safeguard measures in place since 2018 under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) framework are set to expire on 30 June 2026.
The approved text limits duty-free imports to 18.3 million tonnes per year by reducing import quotas — a 47% decrease compared to 2024 steel quotas. Additionally, a 50% customs duty is envisaged for above-quota imports and steel products not covered by the quota.
All steel imports from Russia and Belarus banned
The draft regulation aims to strengthen the traceability of imported steel products by clarifying the evidence importers must provide regarding the origin of their steel. Members underlined that the new regulation must be compatible with WTO rules and asked the Commission to monitor the impact of the regulation and assess the possibility of making changes to the products covered by the rules. Finally, the bill would ban all steel imports from Russia and Belarus, adding steel to the list of goods already subject to import restrictions from these two countries.
Following the vote, rapporteur Karin Karlsbro (Renew, SE) said: "Steel production is a strategic priority for Europe. In times of geopolitical uncertainty, the strength of our steel industry is central to Europe's resilience. Today, we said yes to continued duty-free trade with Ukraine and no to steel imports from Russia into the EU. This is a clear signal of Europe's determination."
The International Trade Committee also approved the decision to enter negotiations with the Council to reach agreement on the final text of the bill in the spring.