27 February 2025 – The US government plans to impose tariffs on EU exports in the near future, President Donald Trump announced yesterday ahead of a cabinet meeting at the White House. Taiwanese stainless steel producers raise prices for March. And the EU steel lobby scores an own goal.
US: Additional tariffs on EU exports to be announced soon
The European Union has spent the last few weeks trying to do something about the introduction of reciprocal US tariffs on exports to the United States. Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič had traveled to Washington especially for this purpose, but was apparently unable to negotiate a deal with the US government.
It would probably have been better to send someone with real entrepreneurial experience than a negotiator whose party wing is more known for union slogans than entrepreneurial action.
According to media reports in Washington, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s long-time confidant Björn Seibert also tried to avert a trade war with the United States.
Announcement of reciprocal trade tariffs expected soon
Before yesterday’s cabinet meeting of the US government, President Trump said in response to questions from journalists that tariffs of 25% on EU exports would soon be imposed. According to previous estimates, these are reciprocal measures to existing EU tariffs. European tariffs on US cars in particular are a thorn in President Trump’s side. But also EU regulations that prevent the import of certain US agricultural products.
President Trump said yesterday about the EU’s behavior towards the United States: ‘But European Union has been – it was formed in order to screw the United States.‘
US reproach towards the EU not unjustified?
The Commission’s approach to figures is well illustrated by the most recent statement made by Deputy Director-General Leopoldo Rubinacci on 19 February 2025, where he told EU Parliamentarians with regard to steel exports to the United States: ‘There are no further exports to the US. The exports of the EU have gone down.‘
According to the latest EUROSTAT data, the EU exported around 3.7 million tons of steel to the United States in 2024, 9.3% more than in 2019, following the introduction of Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum the year before.
The large, more left-leaning European media in particular are currently adding unnecessary fuel to the fire here, further inflaming the mood while simply omitting important information.
Taiwanese stainless steel manufacturers raise prices
Several Taiwanese stainless steel producers have announced that they will raise their prices for the 300 series by at least USD 30 per tonne for March.
This is due to increased costs for nickel pig iron (NPI) and ferrochrome, while at the same time prices for stainless steel scrap on the global markets have remained at a consistently high level.
EU steel lobby scores own goal with latest CBAM demands
EUROFER, the European steel mills’ association, has scored an own goal with its latest demands regarding a tightening of CBAM and the associated export facilitation for EU steel mills.
EUROFER lobbies against “clean” steel on Europe’s markets
EUROFER fears that the EU market could be flooded with cheap “clean” steel from Asia, while Asian manufacturers could otherwise sell their CO2-intensive steel anywhere in the world and therefore called for a tightening of CBAM. At the same time, the association complained that it urgently needed CBAM exemptions and subsidies in order to be able to continue selling its “dirty” steel on the global markets.
The demands and efforts of the EU steel lobby are becoming increasingly shady. Or who do you think will buy this obvious own goal?
Are EU steel mills unable to supply “clean” steel?
Proposed solution: EU steel mills simply have to sell their “clean” steel on the world markets. This would not only save them possible CBAM costs when exporting and thus make them more competitive, but would also do something for climate protection, which they have long neglected.
No CO2 reduction in EU crude steel production since 2014
Since at least 2014, European steel makers have not saved a single tonne of CO2 in crude steel production due to technological advances. This is confirmed by figures from the European Union Transaction Log (EUTL) of the European Environment Agency.
It is therefore hardly surprising that they are now clamoring for exemptions or subsidies for CBAM. This unfair behavior by the EU steel lobby must finally stop.
Latest news
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