Get you up to speed: EU Steel Exports to US Decline Amid Ongoing Tariff Discussions
European steel exports to the US fell 30% from June to December 2025, according to Eurostat data compiled by Eurofer. The drop is attributed to the US imposing 50% tariffs on EU steel, which remains unresolved even after a trade agreement signed in July 2025.
Axel Eggert, Director General of Eurofer, stated that the 30% decline “is a clear signal” of the tariffs’ damaging effects on the industry. The US has extended these tariffs to over 400 steel and aluminium products, aggravating the situation for EU exporters.
Negotiations to lower duties on EU steel are tied to the enforcement of the 2025 EU-US trade deal. The European Parliament is expected to vote on this deal in March, which could either pave the way for further discussions or complicate them further.
What we know so far
EU steel exports to US drop 30% as talks stall over Trump tariffs relief
European steel shipments to the US have seen a striking 30% decline between June and December 2025, as reported by Eurostat data compiled by Eurofer. This decline is largely attributed to the 50% tariffs imposed by the US on EU steel, which remain a contentious issue despite the signing of a trade agreement in July 2025 that included a 15% tariff on EU goods.
Axel Eggert, Director General of Eurofer, remarked that the significant drop in exports “is a clear signal” of the detrimental impact these tariffs are having on the European industry. The US has expanded its tariffs to cover over 400 products, including downstream steel items, resulting in additional pressures on Eurofer’s members and their customers.
The matter of tariff reduction is presently complicated by the enforcement conditions of the EU-US trade deal. The European Commission has recently proposed measures to reduce duty-free steel imports while enforcing tariffs on excess volumes, a move that requires legislative approval and may delay negotiations with Washington.
Tensions between the EU and US have further escalated as negotiations have stalled, with the US linking any resumption of discussions to the implementation of the agreed trade deal. While the European Parliament is set to vote on the trade deal in March, uncertainty remains about how these developments will unfold.
Adding to the complexities, the US previously threatened military action regarding Greenland, which contributed to delays in discussions. While the US has since softened its rhetoric, the relationship continues to face challenges, especially regarding digital legislation.