Press releases » Extension of suspension of tariffs is positive outcome in EU-US dispute
Extension of suspension of EU rebalancing tariffs is positive outcome in EU-US dispute
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Axel Eggert, Director General of the European Steel Association (EUROFER), said:
"We welcome today's decision by the European Commission to extend the suspension of its rebalancing tariffs on US products until 31 March 2025 in the context of the steel and aluminium dispute. This is a positive outcome that paves the way for resuming the discussions between the EU and the US and continuing negotiations towards a meaningful Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminium (GSA).
The framework will need to address global non-market excess capacity and carbon intensity in the steel industry - which are the two existential challenges affecting the sector - through close EU-US policy alignment. A structural, long-lasting solution to the Section 232 dispute will be a natural part of such framework. The legal confirmation by the US of the continuation of the Tariff-Rate Quota (TRQ) system for EU steel exports is now expected to follow soon".
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The outlook for the European steel market in 2024 continues to lose momentum amidst persisting challenging conditions. Downside factors such as worsening geopolitical tensions, coupled with growing economic uncertainty, energy prices, inflation, interest rates have further impacted demand prospects. According to EUROFER’s latest Economic and Steel Market Outlook, these challenges have exacerbated the negative effects on apparent steel consumption, resulting in a more severe downturn in 2023 than previously projected (-9%, instead of -6.3%) and weaker growth in 2024 (+3.2%, instead of +5.6%). Output in steel-using sectors, despite showing more resilience than expected in the past year (+1.1%), is now set to decline (-1%). Imports are once again on the rise (+11% in the last quarter of 2023), capturing a staggering 27% market share throughout 2023.
Second quarter 2024 report. Data up to, and including, fourth quarter 2023
Brussels, 22 March 2024 – The future of a strong and resilient EU can only be forged with steel made in Europe. Europe-made low-carbon steel has a strategic role as it enables a net-zero economy, but today it faces strong headwinds from high energy prices, unfair competition, global overcapacity and growing unilateral carbon costs. The year 2023 has recorded the lowest European crude steel production levels ever, with a number of idled plants and dire impact on workers. Ensuring the enabling conditions for the short-term viability and the decarbonisation of the steel sector urgently needs to be at the top of the EU agenda. This is the message delivered by the European Steel Association together with a number of high-level representatives of the sector on the occasion of the Clean Transition Dialogue on Steel in the presence of the Executive Vice Presidents of the European Commission, Maroš Šefčovič and Margrethe Vestager.