Steel imports into the European Union declined in the first quarter of 2025, although volumes remain historically high. According to the European Steel Association (EUROFER), total imports—including semi-finished products—fell by 9% year-on-year. Meanwhile, imports of finished steel products decreased by only 1% compared to the same period in 2024.
The trend varied across product categories. Flat steel imports dropped by 4% year-on-year, mainly due to a sharp 25% decline in HRC products. Conversely, imports of galvanized coils rose by 9%, CRC products by 26%, polymer-coated steel by 24%, and heavy plates by 17%, all compared to the first quarter of the previous year.
In the long products segment, the trend was reversed: overall imports increased by 7% year-on-year. This was largely driven by a 21% rise in rebar imports, 42% in channels, and a notable 61% surge in shapes.
From January to March 2025, Turkey was the leading supplier of finished steel products to the EU, accounting for 16.4% of total imports. It was followed by South Korea (13.5%), Vietnam (10%), Taiwan (8.8%), and China (8.3%). These five countries together made up 87% of total finished steel imports. Among them, China recorded the highest growth, with a 42% year-on-year increase.
Despite the moderate overall decline in import volumes, the figures remain at levels that significantly impact the EU steel market. In 2024, imports accounted for a record 27% of apparent steel consumption, exerting heavy pressure on European producers, who are already facing weak demand from downstream sectors.
EUROFER warns that a marginal decline in imports does not lessen the threat. Persistently high import levels amid declining demand exacerbate market imbalances, intensify competition, and pose a medium-term threat to the sustainability of the EU steel industry.
Steel consumption in the EU continues to decline. According to EUROFER forecasts, 2025 will mark the fourth consecutive year of contraction, with real consumption expected to fall by 3.3% and apparent consumption by 0.9% year-on-year.
