Brussels Raises Steel Tariffs to 50% to Pressure Trump for Negotiations

Brussels has increased steel tariffs to align with the U.S. rate of 50%, describing this move as a “stepping stone” to encourage Trump to return to the negotiating table.

As EU steel production declines and inexpensive foreign steel continues to flood the market, tariff-free quotas are being cut by nearly half.

Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič stated that this action is aimed at “protecting the EU’s industry” while remaining compliant with international trade regulations.

Ukraine is exempt from the new tariffs, while the UK and Switzerland are not, at least for the time being.

Eurofer, the EU’s steel lobby, is fully supportive of this initiative and hopes it will finally prompt discussions to lift Trump’s tariffs on European steel.

If EU member states and Parliament approve the plan, it will take effect next June, coinciding with the expiration of current safeguards.