A recent report published on August 6, 2025, by Gerber Group's Stainless Espresso newsletter highlighted a new "sad record" in the European steel market: EU stainless steel slab imports have reached an all-time high. The report noted that this surge in imports is occurring despite the implementation of EU safeguard measures designed to protect the domestic industry. This development raises questions about the effectiveness of existing trade protections and suggests that domestic steel producers are facing increased competition from foreign suppliers. The surge in imports of stainless steel slabs could be a sign of shifting trade flows, with producers in other regions redirecting their exports to the EU market. The report also mentions that the EU Parliament is demanding clarification on missing Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) values, which could be related to the import trends.