This is an analysis of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1581, which amends and corrects Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/159, that imposes a definitive safeguard measure on imports of certain steel products. The new regulation adjusts import quotas for certain steel products, specifically addressing concerns about traditional trade flows and potential market disruptions. It aims to balance the protection of Union producers with the need to maintain stable trade relations with partner countries.
The regulation modifies Article 1 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/159 by replacing paragraphs 5 and 7 and adding paragraph 8, and corrects footnotes in Annex IV.1. It also replaces Tables IV.1, IV.2 and IV.3 concerning product category 17 in Annex IV of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/159. Finally, it adds Annex VI to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/159. The key changes include the removal of the 15% country-cap for category 17 (‘Angles, Shapes and Sections of Iron or Non Alloy Steel’), the reintroduction of country-specific quotas for the UK, Türkiye, and Korea, and the reinstatement of a residual quota with a 40% cap per origin to prevent undue crowding out of traditional suppliers. It also removes a cap in category 4B (‘Metallic Coated Sheets’).
The most important provisions for practical use are:
* **Reintroduction of Country-Specific Quotas (Category 17):** As of August 1, 2025, the UK, Türkiye, and Korea will have their own specific quotas for imports of angles, shapes, and sections of iron or non-alloy steel.
* **Residual Quota with 40% Cap (Category 17):** A residual quota is reinstated for other countries, but no single country can exceed 40% of this quota.
* **Pro-Rata Allocation for Q3 2025 (Category 17):** For the period between August 1 and September 30, 2025, the remaining quota volume will be allocated based on the pro-rata figures in Annex VI of the Regulation.
* **Corrections to Annex IV.1:** Several footnotes in Annex IV.1 are corrected to ensure compliance with Article 1, paragraph 7 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/159.
* **Category 4B adjustment:** Removal of the cap in category 4B (‘Metallic Coated Sheets’).
**** This regulation has implications for Ukraine, as it addresses the “globalization” of quotas that occurred due to the impact of the war on Ukraine’s export capabilities. The reintroduction of country-specific quotas and the management of the residual quota aim to restore traditional trade flows, which could indirectly affect Ukraine’s future trade opportunities in these steel product categories.
