The European Commission unveiled a plan to boost the competitiveness of the struggling steel sector in Europe and shield it from the effects of U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The Steel and Metals action plan, part of the EU's Clean Industrial Deal, is aimed at revitalizing European industries to stay competitive with rivals in China and the U.S.

European steelmakers are concerned about a potential influx of excess steel into the region as a result of U.S. tariffs redirecting exports meant for the U.S. to Europe.

Reactions to the EU's Steel Action Plan:

ArcelorMittal's CEO, Aditya Mittal, welcomed the Steel and Metals Action Plan as a positive step, emphasizing the importance of addressing critical issues such as trade defense, carbon border adjustment mechanisms, and the need for regulations to boost demand for low-carbon steel.

Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe from Germany commended the plan for its focus on trade protection, which is crucial for preserving the competitiveness and sustainability of the European steel industry amidst global overcapacity and unfair trade practices.

Aperam, a steel group based in Luxembourg, expressed support for measures to protect the EU steel sector from the negative impacts of excessive steel production from Asia after current safeguard measures expire in June 2026. They urged the European Commission to swiftly and effectively translate the action plan into concrete legal measures.