Readout of the Dialogue on Steel and Metals
President von der Leyen today hosted a high-level dialogue with representatives of the steel and metals industry to discuss the implications of the US tariffs on steel, aluminium, and related derivative products. The exchange of views focused on gathering industry views and proposals for the most effective EU response to the US measures.
Industry representatives welcomed the European Commission’s Steel and Metals Action Plan and the Clean Industrial Deal, and called for their fast implementation.
Participants raised strong concerns about the broader ramifications of the US tariffs, including the impact on derivatives and the serious risk of trade diversion. They underlined the urgent need for the EU to propose new trade defence measures for steel—beyond the existing safeguards, which are due to expire in June 2026—including to address potential deflection of exports from other major steel-producing countries into the EU market.
Participants also expressed concern on the diminishing volumes of scrap used for recycling in the EU and asked for effective measures to keep sufficient volumes in the EU. They also underlined the importance of local content requirements, notably pointing at the huge potential of public procurement in this regard. On the Carbon Border Adjustment Measures (CBAM), they welcomed the acceleration by the Commission of the CBAM review, notably to close remaining loopholes.
The Commission President and the sector agreed to remain in close contact, to ensure that the interests of the industry and its workers are well protected in this volatile period.
