The European Commission has introduced definitive import quotas on ferroalloys in response to a surge of low-priced imports that, according to its investigation, caused serious injury to EU producers.
The measures establish country-specific tariff rate quotas (TRQs) for each ferroalloy category, limiting duty-free imports to 75pct of the average volumes recorded between 2022 and 2024. Imports above these quotas may still enter duty-free only if their prices exceed pre-set thresholds; otherwise, additional tariffs will be applied to bring prices up to the required level.
Although the safeguard applies to all non-EU suppliers, including EEA members Norway and Iceland, the Commission said the system is designed to minimize disruption to Europe’s integrated value chain. It will also hold consultations with Norway and Iceland every three months and closely monitor market impacts.
The decision follows a safeguard investigation launched in December 2024, which found that global overcapacity, trade restrictions in other major markets, and rising tariffs had redirected ferroalloy flows toward Europe.
Between 2019 and 2024, EU ferroalloy imports rose 17pct, while EU producers’ market share fell from 38pct to 24pct, the European Commission said.
The measures will remain in force for three years, expiring on 17 November 2028.
