The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will launch on January 1, 2026, but industry groups warn that key emission rules remain unclear.

Commodities giant Trafigura is urging the European Commission to release default values and benchmark data, especially for aluminum imports. Germany’s thyssenkrupp Steel also called for early CBAM coverage of key downstream products like EV steel and transformer materials.

CBAM aims to prevent carbon leakage by requiring importers to buy certificates covering the carbon content of goods in six sectors, including steel and aluminum.