ASSOFERMET, the National Association of steel, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, scrap and hardware trading, distribution, and processing companies, expressed serious concern about new European Union measures set to take effect in 2026.

The association warned that the simultaneous implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the end of the current Steel Safeguard regime, and potential new rules on steel origin, the so-called melted and cast rule, could severely impact downstream operators, including re-rollers, service centers, processors, and traders.

ASSOFERMET highlighted key issues, including regulatory uncertainty, rising financial exposure for importers, weak domestic demand, and competitive pressure from non-EU producers not subject to similar measures. The group also cautioned that extending import safeguards to the aluminum sector could worsen the situation, potentially reducing steel and aluminum imports and affecting EU manufacturing already facing US tariffs.