The European Commission (EC) announced an action plan to support the steel and metals industries, tightening import quotas by 15% from April 1 to counter global overcapacity, particularly from Asia.

In response to the US’ 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum and increased unfair foreign competition, the EU plans to protect its producers by reinforcing trade defenses. A new safeguard measure will replace the current safeguard measure expiring in 2026.

Besides, the EC’s action plan will also include an investigation on aluminum on the EU market and introduce a "melted and poured" rule for metal imports to prevent circumvention of trade protection such as anti-dumping or anti-subsidy measures by altering product origin through minimal processing.