EU adopts definitive safeguard measures on ferro-alloy imports
The European Commission has adopted the definitive safeguard measures on imports of certain ferro-alloying elements, with Regulation (EU) 2025/2351 published in the Official Journal on 18 November 2025. The framework will remain in place for three years, expiring on 17 November 2028. The decision follows the safeguard investigation opened in December 2024 at the request of three Member States (France, Poland and Slovakia, supported by Spain).
The measure applies to ferromanganese, ferrosilicon, ferro-silico-manganese and ferro-silico-magnesium imported from non-EU countries. Tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) have been set on the basis of average import volumes from 2022–2024, representing a reduction of about 25% compared with historical levels. Once the quota is exhausted, a variable out-of-quota duty will apply.
The regulation also includes Norway and Iceland within its scope, marking a significant departure from previous EU safeguard regimes in which these EEA countries were traditionally exempt. Their inclusion reflects the European Commission’s assessment that these countries’ export volumes of ferro-alloys are substantial enough to risk undermining the effectiveness of the safeguard if left unrestricted.
The Commission states that the safeguard aims to address market disruption caused by rising import volumes, while maintaining a balance between the interests of EU producers and downstream users.
Industry reactions and concerns
The Italian association Assofermet has expressed strong concern about the impact of the new system on EU importers and users. The association highlights the depth of the import cut, the absence of a carry-over mechanism and the lack of clarity regarding how the variable out-of-quota duty will be calculated and communicated. It also notes the implications of including Norway and Iceland, historically exempt from steel safeguard measures due to their deep integration in the EU market.
Euroalliages, representing Europe’s ferro-alloy and silicon producers, supports the safeguard, arguing that the measure is essential to help domestic plants regain market share, restore a minimum level of self-sufficiency and restart key investment projects.
EUROFER also backs the TRQ-based regime, describing it as a necessary step to prevent the European ferro-alloy industry from disappearing and to safeguard the strategic autonomy of the steel value chain by reducing dependence on non-EU suppliers.
Implications for downstream operators
Steelmakers, foundries, aluminum processors and metallurgical users may face tighter availability and greater price uncertainty over the next three years. Companies reliant on ferro-alloys for production processes will need to monitor quota use, review contract structures and evaluate procurement risks as the safeguard regime becomes fully operational.
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