The European association Eurometal has urged the European Union to review how trade and carbon rules are applied to downstream steel products, warning that uneven requirements are placing growing pressure on local manufacturers.

The association said European companies face increasing compliance costs, while some imported finished goods can enter the market without being subject to comparable measures. It warned that this imbalance could weaken investment, employment and production across the region over time.

Eurometal raised the issue in Brussels on September 7 during a demonstration near the European Commission, calling for a broader application of existing trade defense and carbon policies.

Eurometal said its proposal is intended to create more balanced competition rather than restrict imports. It believes wider coverage of steel related manufactured goods would help reduce regulatory differences between European producers and overseas suppliers.