Steel imports into the European Union fell by 9% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, though volumes remain historically high. Total imports—including semi-finished products—declined, while finished steel imports saw only a marginal 1% decrease compared to the same period in 2024.

Flat steel imports dropped by 4%, with hot-rolled coil imports seeing a sharp 25% decline. However, galvanized coil imports rose by 9%, cold-rolled coil by 26%, polymer-coated steel by 24%, and heavy plates by 17%.

In contrast, long product imports increased by 7%, driven by a 21% rise in rebar imports, 42% in channels, and a notable 61% surge in shapes. Turkey remained the leading supplier of finished steel products to the EU, followed by South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and China.

Despite the overall decline, import levels continue to exert pressure on European producers, who are already facing weak demand from downstream sectors. EUROFER warns that persistently high imports amid declining consumption could further destabilize the EU steel market.