Join CRU's live webinar
EU safeguarding measures have tightened significantly over the past decade, and the stainless steel sector is no exception. The domestic stainless steel market has been subject to EU safeguarding measures, followed by the introduction of CBAM, stricter safeguards commencing from 1 July 2026, and the introduction of melt & pour regulations.
The lower import quotas, alongside CBAM, are reshaping global stainless trade flows and weighing on import volumes. From July 2026, European cold rolled coil quotas will be cut by 53%, placing further pressure on the already-subdued CRC import volumes in 2026 H1. The introduction of melt & pour regulations poses significant risks for Asian exporters reliant on third-country steel feed.
