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, 11 September 2025 – The lack of a solution for steel in the EU-U.S. trade negotiations, the ongoing unpredictability of the global geoeconomic situation, and persistently weak demand against an ever-growing global steel overcapacity are squeezing the European steel market. In 2025, the outlook points to stagnation, with potential recovery only in 2026 — conditional on improvements in the global economy and an easing of trade tensions. According to EUROFER’s latest Economic and Steel Market Outlook, another recession both in apparent steel consumption (-0.2%, revised upwards from -0.9%) and in steel-using sectors (-0.7%, revised downwards from -0.5%) is confirmed for 2025. Growth prospects are now delayed at least to 2026, with projections of a rebound for both apparent steel consumption (+3.1%) and steel-using sectors (+1.8%). However, steel imports continue to hold historically high market shares (25%) in 2025.
Third quarter 2025 report. Data up to, and including, first quarter 2025
Brussels, 10 September 2025 – Reacting to today’s State of the Union Address delivered by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Axel Eggert, Director General of the European Steel Association (EUROFER) said:
The European Steel Association (EUROFER)
172 Avenue de Cortenbergh
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Belgium
Email: mail@eurofer.eu
Phone: +32 (0) 2 738 79 20
