EU considers tightening steel import quotas due to Trump's new tariffs

The European Commission is considering intensifying its steel import quotas to protect EU producers from the new tariffs U.S. President Trump plans to impose on steel and aluminum starting March 12. Since 2018, the EU has had quarterly, tariff-free quotas to prevent metal exports from overflowing and being diverted to the EU. Trump’s new tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminum will apply to all countries, revoking exemptions and tariff-free quotas. The EU is reviewing its measures and aims to complete the review by March. It may extend protective measures beyond mid-2026. Rubinacci stated that Trump's tariffs are "hidden protective measures" and that the U.S. should compensate trading partners. In response to the tariffs, the EU imposed retaliatory measures in 2018, which are suspended until the end of March.