EU Commissioner Šefcovic on EU-U.S. Steel Talks

Apr. 27, 2026
By: Pietro N. Bianchi

After meeting the U.S. Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, the European Trade Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, discussed possibly “ring-fencing” the U.S. and European markets to protect them from subsidized steel and global overcapacity. Commissioner Šefčovič stated that the E.U. will reduce imports of steel by 47% and place a tariff of 50% on out-of-quota imports. Not by coincidence, that 50% tariff matches the U.S. Section 232 tariff on steel. The E.U. rates also dovetail with Canadian restrictions on steel imports. The stricter steel measures are the first step in an outline of a plan between the E.U. and U.S.

The next step Commissioner Šefčovič wants to address is steel derivatives. Commissioner Šefčovič stated that the steel trade between the U.S. and E.U. is very small and focused on specialized machines. He argued that these specialized machines are necessary for U.S. reindustrialization and that both economic blocks are burdened not by trade with each other but by global overcapacity flooding their markets. Commissioner Šefčovič stated that it is currently difficult to export specialized machines to the U.S. due to a “lack of clarity” and “also because of higher costs,” namely tariffs.

So, Commissioner Šefčovič’s hopes the U.S. will exempt the E.U. from the steel trade barriers Trump has imposed by creating similar barriers to the E.U. market for other countries. While there is no timeline, Commissioner Šefčovič thinks the plan is “going in a positive direction.” We continue to follow global steel (and aluminum) trade developments. If you have questions about steel or aluminum tariffs do not hesitate to contact any attorney at Barnes Richardson, & Colburn LLP.