The European Commission is proposing stricter tariffs on steel imports to protect the EU steel industry from cheap competition, particularly from China. Under the new plan, the tariff-free quota would drop from 30.5 to 18.3 million tons annually, with imports beyond that facing a 50% duty—double the current rate.

This move is welcomed by major producers like ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe, who have been hit hard by high energy costs and low-priced imports, leading to widespread factory closures and job losses. However, industry groups such as the VDMA warn of rising costs for steel buyers, including carmakers. The EU Commission is also responding to calls for lower energy prices and infrastructure investment to restore competitiveness.

 

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.