<h1>EU proposal cuts tariff-free steel quotas 47% and applies up to 50% tariffs, adds melt-and-pour declaration</h1> The EU proposed reducing tariff-free steel quotas by 47% and subjecting imports above the new threshold to tariffs up to 50%, with exemptions for certain neighboring countries; the measure would require importers to declare where steel was melted and poured and introduce a complex quota regime to replace a WTO-aligned safeguard due to expire in June 2026. The proposal aims to address global overcapacity and protect domestic industry but must be approved or amended by the European Parliament and Council and could prompt negotiations or disputes at the WTO. Industry bodies and unions warn the changes could severely disrupt exporters in affected third countries and risk trade diversion, retaliation, and supply-chain impacts.