Voestalpine Forecasts Profit Growth as EU Restricts Steel Imports in 2026
Voestalpine's Financial Outlook Amid EU Steel Import Restrictions
By Danny Callaghan
June 3 (Reuters) - Voestalpine expects its core profit to grow in the coming year, with the European Union's safeguards set to boost performance, after the Austrian steelmaker reported an annual beat on Wednesday.
EU Trade Policy and Carbon Levy Measures
The EU has enforced a carbon levy on high-emission imports since the start of 2026 and will implement a trade policy halving steel import quotas from July 1, as part of measures to shield local steelmakers against cheaper products flowing in from Asia.
Impact on Steel Imports
Steel imports into the 27-country bloc were 17% lower in the second quarter of the calendar year than in the same period in 2025, the head of Voestalpine's steel division, Hubert Zajicek, said during a press call.
"In the second half year of the calendar year, this will decrease considerably, since there will be some other measures in the post-safeguard system," Zajicek added.
Financial Performance and Forecasts
The steel and technology company forecast earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of between €1.60 billion and €1.85 billion ($1.86 billion and $2.15 billion) for its 2026/27 financial year, compared with the €1.49 billion recorded in the year through March.
Analyst Expectations
Analysts polled by Vara were expecting EBITDA of €1.45 billion for last year and €1.76 billion for fiscal 2026/27 on average.
Potential Risks and Mitigating Factors
However, Voestalpine said delays to energy projects in its heavy plate segment would mitigate gains to its steel division.
The company also expects impacts from the Middle East conflict and trade disputes to hamper performance. In fiscal 2025/26, the negative earnings hit from U.S. steel tariffs was in high double-digit million euros, it said.
Market Reaction
Voestalpine's shares were broadly flat at 1055 GMT.
($1 = €0.8604)
(Reporting by Danny Callaghan; editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)
