European steel exports to the US, reduced by 30%

The additional tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on steel and aluminum imports have caused a 30% decrease in European steel exports to the United States starting in July 2025, which has led industry representatives to call for a "rebalancing" of the agreement between Brussels and Washington, AFP reports, according to Agerpres.

According to Eurostat data cited on Friday by Eurofer, the European Steel Association, "steel exports to the United States fell by 30% in the second half of 2025, compared to the same period the previous year."

Eurofer blames this decrease on the 50% customs tariffs imposed on American steel and aluminum importers starting in June last year. This surcharge was further extended in August to several hundred products containing steel or aluminum, with cascading consequences for European manufacturers of cars and other metal-intensive equipment.

According to Eurofer, "these figures underline the need for any trade agreement between the EU and the US to be fair, balanced and enforceable.”

The agreement signed last summer between Brussels and Washington reduced US tariffs on most European products to 15%. However, steel and aluminum are not included and remain subject to a 50% tariff.

Despite repeated requests from Brussels, Washington has so far refused to reduce tariffs on steel and aluminum and has instead asked Europe to scrap its digital legislation, an exchange the EU considers unacceptable.

Eurofer's call to rebalance relations with Washington comes as the European Parliament's Trade Committee is due to vote on Tuesday on the implementation of the trade agreement concluded last summer.

Implementation of the deal was suspended in January over US threats to annex Greenland, but the European Parliament now appears ready to give its approval, albeit with safeguards and a review clause.

European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefocovic urged MEPs on Friday to approve the deal "as quickly as possible.”

In addition, the 27 member states and the European Parliament must approve, by the end of June, a steel rescue plan proposed by the European Commission for the end of 2025, which includes doubling tariffs on steel imports into the EU.