The European Commission has announced the launch of a consultation process aimed at shaping the next generation of steel safeguard measures. Industry stakeholders have until August 15 to submit input. These consultations will feed directly into the formulation of replacement measures for the current safeguards, which expire on June 30, 2026.

The upcoming protection framework is expected to counter several structural challenges according to the European Commission:

• The 50 percent US tariffs on steel, which create diversion risks
• Record-high global overcapacity, which undermines EU producers’ profitability
• Dumped imports that erode fair competition and market balance

These elements were cited in the Steel and Metals Action Plan, adopted in March 2025, which underscores the urgency of proactive trade defense strategies.

The EU’s original steel safeguard measures, introduced in 2019, were designed to counter import surges and prevent trade diversion. Following member state requests, the European Commission extended them for two more years in June 2024. Evidence submitted at the time confirmed the measures’ role in preventing serious injury to the EU steel sector.