European Union's flat steel import quotas for "other countries" exhausted?

According to Steel Orbis, on the first day of the EU quota period, several countries, including Taiwan, India, and Vietnam, exceeded their steel import quotas, with some surpassing 300-500%. This indicates high demand, creating delays with products awaiting customs clearance.

Key Data Summary (April 1 - June 30, 2025) 

Product	Country	Amount (mt)	Awaiting (mt)	Used (%)
HRC (1A)	Taiwan (under other countries)	111,380	111,855	100.43
Metallic Coated Sheets (4A)	India	53,636	65,821	122.72
	Vietnam (under other countries)	118,012	133,843	113.41
Metallic Coated Sheets (4B)	China	128,220	140,918	109.9
Organic Coated Sheets	Vietnam (under other countries)	10,715	33,104	308.95
Tin Mill Products	India (under other countries)	9,276	49,734	536.16
	Turkey (under other countries)	9,276	22,985	247.79
Sheets and Strips	Taiwan	46,029	57,843	125.67
Stainless Hot Rolled Quarto Plates	China	4,915	6,757	137.48
Angles and Sections	Turkey (under other countries)	10,121	13,947	137.8

Additionally: 

• India has used up 83.53% of its quota for organic coated sheets and 89.3% of stainless bars and light sections. 

• South Korea has utilized 93.12% of its tin mill product quota. 

• Malaysia's wire rod quota has reached 99.44% usage. 

Conclusion 

As of the first day of Q2 2025, several countries have already exceeded their allocated quotas for specific steel products, highlighting high demand and rapid usage. Notably, India and Vietnam exceeded their quotas significantly, with organic coated sheets in Vietnam and tin mill products in India surpassing 300% and 500%, respectively. These trends signal potential disruptions in the EU steel market, with numerous products awaiting customs clearance. 

Source: https://www.steelorbis.com/steel-news/latest-news/eus-flat-steel-import-quotas-for-other-countries-exhausted-1385788.htm

Let's hear it from one of our Business Development Executives, who shares his thoughts on this matter.

"The quota exceedance highlights intense competition in the steel market and potential supply chain bottlenecks. Monitoring policies and adapting trade strategies will be crucial in addressing these challenges.

Several countries have exceeded their EU steel import quotas on the first day of Q2 2025, signaling high demand and potential market disruptions. Additionally, manufacturers and traders might face challenges, such as delays in customs clearance or increased competition for quota space in the coming months. A watchful eye on market trends and potential policy responses would be prudent."

— Iman F. (Business Development Executive)

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