The European Commission has announced a one-month delay in the reintroduction of country-specific quotas for imports of angles, shapes, and sections of iron or non-alloy steel (Category 17), according to a notification submitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Originally set to take effect on July 1, 2025, the changes will now begin on August 1, 2025, and continue through June 30, 2026.
The revised safeguard rules will remove the 15% country cap under the current global quota system, restoring individual quotas for Turkey, South Korea, and the United Kingdom—countries that, according to the Commission, have seen their traditional trade flows restricted under the global regime.
Imports exceeding quota volumes will face a 25% safeguard duty, in line with existing EU trade defense measures.
The products affected fall under the following tariff codes:
7216 31 10, 7216 31 90, 7216 32 11, 7216 32 19, 7216 32 91, 7216 32 99, 7216 33 10, and 7216 33 90.
The European Commission stated it is open to consultations with EU member states regarding the measure. The postponement gives importers, exporters, and steel producers additional time to adjust logistics and commercial strategies in response to the changes.
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