US Tariff Hike Slashes EU Steel Exports by 34%, Eurofer Warns

Steel News  |  2026-06-04 05:29:52   |   By

EU producers shipped 3.4 million tons of steel to the U.S. in 2025, significantly lower than 4.1 million tons in 2024 and 4.7 million tons in 2017.

Summary
  • EU steel exports to the U.S. dropped sharply, declining 34% in the three quarters following the increase in U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs from 25% to 50%.
  • Steel shipments have trended lower for years, falling from 4.7 million metric tons in 2017 to 3.4 million tons in 2025.
  • Eurofer is calling for trade cooperation, urging implementation of the EU-U.S. trade agreement and progress toward tariff-free steel and aluminum quotas.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): According to the most recent report released by the European Steel Association (Eurofer), European Union (EU) steel exports to the U.S. have witnessed a sharp decline since Washington doubled import tariffs on steel and aluminum.

The EU steel shipments to the U.S. fell by 34% in the three quarters following the doubling of tariffs from 25% to 50%, said the industry body. The European steel exports to the U.S. totaled 1.94 million metric tons during the period. EU producers shipped 3.4 million tons of steel to the U.S. in 2025, significantly lower than 4.1 million tons in 2024 and 4.7 million tons in 2017.

Eurofer noted that tariffs imposed on steel-containing derivative products, including washing machines, refrigerators, motorbikes, lawn mowers, and rail parts, have further reduced demand for European steel products.

In the meantime, the industry body urged both sides to fully implement the trade agreement reached last July, which proposes lower trade barriers and discussions on tariff-free steel and aluminum quotas. The U.S. should honor its commitment to work with the EU on addressing global steel overcapacity and find a solution to the ongoing trade war, said Eurofer Director General Axel Eggert.

The European Union has warned that it may be forced to suspend certain concessions if tariff rates are not reduced further by the end of the year.