The EU raises tariffs twofold on imported steel.

Omissions

• The tariff doubling applies only to imports exceeding quota levels (tariff-rate quota system), not to all steel arriving in the EU. In-quota imports up to 18.3 million tonnes per year remain duty-free.
• At the time of the speech (18 May 2026), the measure was still a political agreement between the Council and European Parliament and had not yet entered into force — implementation is scheduled for 1 July 2026.
• The 'today' (dzisiaj) framing refers to the political awakening or the agreement being reached, not to tariffs actually being collected at the doubled rate.

Sources

• PrimaryEuropean Commission Press CornerThe new measure sets tariff-free quotas at 18.3 million tonnes per year, with an out-of-quota duty set at 50% for 30 categories of steel. Political agreement welcomed, measure to replace the current EU steel safeguard regime.
• PrimaryEuropean Commission Press CornerCommission proposes doubling the level of out-of-quota duty to 50% compared to the 25% under the safeguard.
• SecondaryBelga News AgencyImports exceeding this threshold will face a 50 per cent tariff, double the current rate of 25 per cent.
• SecondaryEuroferOnly unsustainable imports above quota levels will be subject to a 50% tariff to avoid further import deflection towards the EU.
• SecondaryMeps InternationalThe tariff rate on imports exceeding that quota would double from 25% to 50%. The measures are scheduled to come into force July 1, 2026.