India Gains Up to 2.8 MT Steel Export Access to European Union

India has secured wider access to the European Union steel market, with potential annual exports of up to 2.8 million tonnes (MT) under the EU’s new tariff-rate quota framework. A commerce ministry official said India has received a 1.9 MT country-specific annual quota, while exporters are expected to access another 0.9 MT through residual quotas. Together, the volumes could cover more than 80% of India’s recent steel exports to the EU. Steel shipped within the available quota can enter the EU at zero customs duty, while volumes exceeding the quota face a 50% tariff. The system forms part of the EU Steel Overcapacity Regulation, which came into effect on July 1, 2026. However, Indian steel exporters will still face costs under the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), meaning duty-free quota access does not eliminate carbon-related charges. The quotas cover several products, including hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel, coated sheets, stainless steel, rebars, wire rods, pipes and tubes. The development strengthens India’s access to a key export market while increasing the importance of low-carbon steel production.