US Doubling of Steel Tariffs Causes 34% Drop in EU Exports, Eurofer Says
Impact of US Tariff Increases on EU Steel Exports
By Philip Blenkinsop
Significant Decline in EU Steel Exports to the US
BRUSSELS, June 4 (Reuters) - EU steel exports to the U.S. have fallen by 34% since Washington hiked tariffs to 50%, with higher duties on derivative products such as washing machines and motorbikes also hitting European demand, steel industry association Eurofer said on Thursday.
Steel exports to the U.S. fell to 1.94 million metric tons in the three quarters since the Trump administration doubled import tariffs on steel and aluminium from 25% a year ago.
Year-on-Year Export Figures
European Union producers exported 3.4 million tons to the United States in 2025, compared with 4.1 million tons in 2024 and 4.7 million tons in 2017, Eurofer said.
Trade Agreements and Ongoing Negotiations
Eurofer said it was important the EU and the U.S. carried out their trade deal struck last July in full.
Details of the Turnberry Agreement
That agreement, struck at President Donald Trump's Turnberry golf course in Scotland, sets out that the EU should remove its duties on most U.S. goods imports in return for a broad 15% U.S. tariff on EU exports.
It also said the two sides should discuss possible tariff-free steel and aluminium quotas and cooperation to address global overcapacity.
Eurofer’s Position on US Commitments
Axel Eggert, Eurofer director general, said the U.S. needs to fulfil its commitment to work with the EU to find a solution.
Tariffs on Derivative Products and Further Developments
A further problem EU producers have faced are U.S. tariffs on 'derivative' products, for which the metal content was initially subject to a 50% tariff. Trump even widened the range of products a month after the Turnberry deal.
Recent Changes to Tariff Rates
Trump's administration has since lowered a number of tariff rates, with a proclamation on Monday reducing the rate on some products to 15% for the EU. Still, for fridges, lawn mowers or rail parts, the rate is 25%.
Potential EU Response
The EU could suspend some concessions if this does not fall to 15% by the end of the year.
(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Alexander Smith)
