EUROMETAL Calls for Reassessment of EU Steel Import Safeguard Measures
EUROMETAL, the federation representing steel, tubes, and metals distribution and trading in Europe, has formally approached the European Commission to reconsider several important elements of the ongoing review of safeguard measures on steel imports. This review is a critical process for shaping the future of steel trade within the European Union, and EUROMETAL’s request underscores the challenges faced by industry stakeholders in meeting current deadlines and aligning with the Commission’s expectations.
Request for Extension of Submission Deadline
In a letter addressed to the European Commission, EUROMETAL raised concerns regarding the tight deadline of 10 January 2025 for submitting questionnaires related to the safeguard review. The association argued that the timing of the deadline, coinciding with the holiday season from late December to early January, posed significant challenges for its members in gathering and organizing the necessary data for submission.
As a result of these difficulties, the Commission agreed to extend the submission deadline by three days, moving it to 13 January 2025. While the extension provides some relief, EUROMETAL has emphasized that the timeframe remains insufficient for many businesses to fully prepare and submit comprehensive responses. The request for a longer extension highlights the complexities involved in completing these submissions, especially when considering the diverse range of businesses in the sector.
Harmonization of Customs Rules Across EU Member States
Another key issue raised by EUROMETAL in its letter pertains to the need for standardized customs rules across the EU. The association pointed out that divergences in customs regulations between member states often lead to inconsistencies in the declaration of steel imports. This creates additional administrative burdens and can result in unequal treatment of European importers.
EUROMETAL advocates for a unified set of rules that would apply uniformly across all EU member states, ensuring that businesses face consistent processes and can comply with safeguard measures without facing confusion or excessive red tape. The federation argues that harmonizing customs practices will not only simplify procedures but also create a level playing field for all importers and stakeholders within the European steel market.
Clarification of “Union Users” Definition
The letter also seeks clarification from the Commission regarding the definition of “union users” in the context of the safeguard review. Specifically, EUROMETAL is requesting confirmation on whether this term includes the distribution segment, which plays a significant role in the European steel supply chain. The distribution sector, which includes service centers, stockholders, and traders, is responsible for supplying around 60% of all steel products to end-users in the EU.
As such, EUROMETAL emphasizes the importance of including distributors and traders in the safeguard review, as they are integral to the supply of steel to small and medium-sized businesses across the continent. Their involvement in the process is crucial for ensuring that safeguard measures account for the realities of the broader steel supply chain.
Support for Steel Summit Proposal
In addition to its requests for deadline extensions and clarifications, EUROMETAL expressed support for Eurofer’s proposal to establish a steel summit under the auspices of the European Commission. The proposed summit would serve as a forum for key stakeholders in the steel industry to come together and discuss the challenges facing the sector. It would also provide a platform to identify and work toward solutions that benefit the entire steel value chain, from producers to distributors to end-users.
EUROMETAL believes that such a summit would foster collaboration and enable more effective dialogue between industry players, policymakers, and regulators. By discussing the pressing issues of the sector, the summit could lead to more informed decision-making and policies that support the long-term sustainability of Europe’s steel industry.
EUROMETAL's Role and Industry Impact
EUROMETAL represents 17 national federations of steel distributors across Europe, as well as 35 distributors and service centers and 25 trading companies. The organization’s members play a crucial role in the distribution sector, which procures 70 million metric tons of steel annually. This steel is supplied to over one million small and medium-sized end users in various industries across the EU.
The distribution sector is responsible for 60% of the total supply of steel products to end-users in Europe. These stakeholders are directly impacted by the safeguard measures under review and have a vested interest in ensuring that the regulations are fair, transparent, and conducive to a stable supply chain.
