CCCEU Comments on the EU's New Steel Import Framework

July 2, 2026, Brussels

The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) is concerned about the EU's new steel import framework, which entered into force on 1 July. While we recognize the EU's objective of supporting the competitiveness of its steel industry, we believe any trade measures should carefully balance industrial policy goals with the need to preserve open markets, fair competition and resilient supply chains.

The revised framework significantly tightens market access through reduced tariff-rate quotas and revised country allocations, leaving less tariff-free access for exporters from countries without free trade agreements with the EU, including China.

The significant reduction in tariff-rate quotas and the increase in out-of-quota duties are expected to raise costs for downstream industries, including automotive, machinery, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. Many of these sectors rely on globally integrated supply chains and stable access to competitively priced steel products, particularly specialised grades that are not always available in sufficient quantities within Europe.

At a time when European industries are already facing high energy costs, weak demand and intensifying global competition, additional trade restrictions risk increasing production costs and reducing the international competitiveness of European manufacturers. Protecting one segment of the value chain should not come at the expense of downstream industries or Europe's broader industrial competitiveness.

The CCCEU looks forward to further engagement between China and the EU within the framework of the WTO on this matter and hopes both sides will continue to address trade concerns through dialogue and consultations, while upholding the rules-based multilateral trading system.