Jaká bude odpověď EU na nová Trumpova cla na dovozy oceli a hliníku?

What Will the EU's Response Be to Trump's New Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports?

In light of Donald Trump's decision to impose a 25 % tariff on all steel and aluminum imports to the United States starting 12 March 2025, the trading environment is becoming increasingly complex and unclear, creating pressure not only on executives but also on customs specialists.

Trump's move raises concerns not only in the USA but also in the European Union, which is preparing countermeasures (the EU has established a so-called Anti-Coercion Instrument for this purpose).  The coming days will show how decisive these measures they will be.

Companies trading with partners from the United States should closely monitor the EU's response. It will be necessary to consider how flexibly the supply chain can react to increased tariffs (and EU retaliatory measures) and ask: How will my supply chain be affected as a whole? Can the impact be quantified? Can I potentially buy the affected material elsewhere? Could higher prices in the supply chain also affect my current transfer pricing setup?

In this context, is not now the right time to reflect on my customs operations in general and assess whether they are in good condition in terms of risks and opportunities?

From a risk perspective, companies should undoubtedly be interested in whether their procedures would withstand scrutiny by the customs office. In addition to the endless considerations regarding the correct tariff classification of goods and the proper determination of customs value, new protectionist tendencies create pressure to ensure company compliance with non-tariff measures, especially various import controls (including anti-dumping duties) and export controls (such as the export of dual-use goods, military material, or international sanctions). These measures certainly include new regulations like CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) and EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation), which are part of the so-called European Green Deal. This deal may face significant reforms in an effort to ensure the competitiveness of EU industry and avoid further escalation of the trade conflict (including with the USA).

From an opportunity perspective, companies should primarily ask: Am I paying unnecessarily high tariffs (not only on imports from the USA), and what can I do to reduce them? Am I utilizing all the tools that EU legislation offers in this context, such as import duty suspensions or preferential tariff rates based on free trade agreements? What can I do to ensure that the goods I import can qualify for potential treatment?

We would be happy to assist you in finding answers to the questions mentioned in our article. Please contact the authors of the article or the EY advisory team you are working with.

Authors:

Jakub Kašuba

Anna Běhounková