Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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179. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the discussions that have taken place with member states in respect of the EU steel safeguarding tariff; whether the measures are set to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30642/24]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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This matter relates to the safeguard measures imposed by the EU on 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 measure currently in place allows for the importation of steel from third countries according to 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.

Following an investigation in early 2024, the Commission found that the safeguard measure currently in place for imports of certain steel products should be prolonged beyond 30 June 2024.

In June 2024, the EU officially extended the measure on steel imports for another two years, to 30 June 2026. This is eight years after its first imposition, which is the maximum application period of a safeguard measure allowed under EU and WTO rules.