The European Commission on Wednesday proposed new permanent measures to protect its steel industry from global overcapacity, replacing the safeguard system due to expire in June 2026. The plan limits duty-free steel import quotas to 18.3 million tons a year — a 47% cut from 2024 levels — and doubles out-of-quota tariffs to 50%. It also introduces a “Melt and Pour” requirement to trace the origin of steel and prevent circumvention.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the step was needed to preserve Europe’s “economic security and strategic autonomy.” The proposal, framed as WTO-compliant, still requires approval from