President von der Leyen held a high-level dialogue with representatives of the steel and metals industry to address the US tariffs on steel, aluminium, and related products. Discussions focused on collecting industry insights and proposals for the EUs response to these measures.
The industry praised the European Commissions Steel and Metals Action Plan and the Clean Industrial Deal, urging their swift execution.
Concerns were raised about the tariffs broader effects, including trade diversion risks. There was a call for new EU trade defence measures beyond existing safeguards, expiring in June 2026, to prevent export deflection from major steel producers into the EU.
Participants highlighted reduced scrap recycling volumes in the EU and requested measures to retain adequate volumes locally. They stressed local content requirements, especially in public procurement. Regarding Carbon Border Adjustment Measures (CBAM), they supported the Commissions accelerated review to close loopholes.
The Commission President and the industry agreed to maintain close contact to safeguard industry and worker interests during this volatile period.