The European Steel Association (EUROFER) and industriAll Europe said that the European Union must accelerate the adoption and implementation of the new steel trade measure.

They warned that waiting until June 2026 is unacceptable, as the steel sector is facing extreme pressure. With import levels at historic highs, now 27% of the market share, and depressed demand, EU steel capacity utilization remains low, putting thousands of jobs and communities at risk.

The groups claim massive stockpiling of cheap imports is already happening, which will weaken the measure's impact if it is delayed. To prevent another lost year for steelmakers, they demand that the measure be adopted immediately by the European Parliament and Council and be effective by April 1, 2026. They urge EU institutions to act promptly with a real industrial strategy.