The European Commission has announced the introduction of definitive safeguard measures on imports of certain ferroalloys into the European Union. The move is intended to support the EU’s ferroalloy industry, which employs approximately 1,800 people across the bloc.
The new measures follow an 11-month legal process and investigation that began in December 2024. The investigation determined that increased imports, driven by global overcapacity and restrictions in other major markets, have harmed EU-based producers. Between 2019 and 2024, imports rose by 17%, leading to a decline in market share for EU producers from 38% to 24%.
The imposed safeguards consist of country-specific tariff rate quotas (TRQs) for each type of ferroalloy. Imports within these quotas can enter duty-free, but those exceeding the quota may only enter without duties if their price is above a set threshold. If priced below this threshold, an additional duty will be charged equal to the difference between the import price and the established threshold.
“These measures apply indiscriminately to all third countries — including Norway and Iceland, which are part of the EEA — they have been carefully designed to minimise the impact on the integrated European value chain,” according to the European Commission. “The Commission will conduct trimonthly consultations with Norway and Iceland and will carefully review the impact of the measure.”
Ferroalloys play a key role in steel production by improving strength, hardness, and resistance to corrosion. They are vital for sectors such as construction, automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and defense.
The Commission stated: “The approach aims to reinforce the resilience of wider European supply chains.” It also noted that these measures are compatible with existing bilateral or regional trade agreements.
The safeguards will remain in effect for three years until November 17, 2028.
For further information about this decision or related trade defense mechanisms, more details can be found on relevant pages such as Safeguards and Trade defence.
Olof Gill serves as Deputy Chief Spokesperson for inquiries regarding this matter. Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero is listed as Press Officer.
