EU Steel Import Quotas Halve Duty-Free Access for Serbian Exports

The European Union's new steel import quotas took effect on July 1, significantly reducing duty-free access for Serbian steel exports. The measure halves the tariff-free quota for Serbia's largest steel producer, Železara Smederevo, which now faces a sharp drop in export volumes to the EU. Experts cited by Blic Biznis warn that the company will bear the brunt of the policy, as its previously allowed duty-free sales have been effectively cut in half. The EU's action is part of a broader safeguard regime to protect domestic steelmakers from global overcapacity, particularly from China. Serbia, a candidate for EU membership, has limited recourse under current trade rules. The move threatens jobs and production at Železara Smederevo, a key industrial employer in the country.

Global Impact

Economically, the EU's steel quota tightening reinforces protectionist trends in global trade, particularly affecting small, export-dependent economies like Serbia. Politically, it strains EU-Serbia relations and may slow Serbia's EU accession talks.