Press releases » Extension of suspension of tariffs is positive outcome in EU-US dispute
Extension of suspension of EU rebalancing tariffs is positive outcome in EU-US dispute
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Axel Eggert, Director General of the European Steel Association (EUROFER), said:
"We welcome today's decision by the European Commission to extend the suspension of its rebalancing tariffs on US products until 31 March 2025 in the context of the steel and aluminium dispute. This is a positive outcome that paves the way for resuming the discussions between the EU and the US and continuing negotiations towards a meaningful Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminium (GSA).
The framework will need to address global non-market excess capacity and carbon intensity in the steel industry - which are the two existential challenges affecting the sector - through close EU-US policy alignment. A structural, long-lasting solution to the Section 232 dispute will be a natural part of such framework. The legal confirmation by the US of the continuation of the Tariff-Rate Quota (TRQ) system for EU steel exports is now expected to follow soon".
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Brussels, 25 July 2024 – Major indicators in the European steel market show a steeper-than-expected downward trend, further impacting the outlook for this year and the next. Poor demand conditions, driven by ongoing factors such as high energy prices, persistent inflation, economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, are exacerbated by a manufacturing crisis affecting the largest steel-using sectors, including construction and automotive. According to EUROFER’s latest Economic and Steel Market Outlook, apparent steel consumption is further deteriorating. After a slump (-3.1%) in the first quarter of 2024, its rebound for the full year has been revised downwards (to +1.4% from +3.2%), as well as for 2025 (+4.1% from +5.6%). Similarly, output in steel-using sectors, after a decline in the first quarter (-1.9%), is projected to experience a deeper-than-expected recession (-1.6% from -1%). A recovery is anticipated only in 2025 (+2.3%). Steel imports continue to show historically high shares (27%).
Third quarter 2024 report. Data up to, and including, first quarter 2024
Picture Copyright: European Union, 2024 Source: EC - Audiovisual Service
Brussels, 18 July 2024 – The re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission paves the way for the continuation of the ambitious initiatives started in her first term. For a stronger and prosperous Europe, defining a pragmatic set of measures within the first 100 days of the new Commission mandate is the right step forward to ensure the success of the EU’s industry transition, if properly implemented. The European Steel Association urges that the Clean Industrial Deal be complemented as a priority by a European Steel Pact, as proposed by the German delegation to the European People’s Party (EPP).