Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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This matter relates to the safeguard measures imposed by the EU relating to certain steel products which were initiated in July 2018 in response to the US Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium.The US measures applied a 25% tariff on steel imports originating from third countries, including the EU. This action by the US resulted in steel originally destined for the US being diverted to the EU, with a consequence of inundating the EU market with steel products to the possible detriment of Union industry and producers.

In response, the Commission established safeguard measures to manage the volume of steel entering the Single Market from third countries. The measures currently in place allow for the importation of steel from third countries - by way of quotas - in line with traditional volumes of trade in steel. Steel imports outside of the quotas are subject to a 25% tariff on landing in the EU. The current measures are due to expire at the end of June 2024. World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules allow for the application of safeguard measures for up to 8 years. Any extension will require a vote by EU Member States, which will operate on a Qualified Majority Vote (QMV) basis.