Why does ArcelorMittal expect EU steel imports to remain high in Q2 despite a decline in Q1?

ArcelorMittal's finance chief, Genuino Christino, stated that EU steel imports are expected to stay elevated at the start of the second quarter because buyers are rushing to import material before tighter safeguards — specifically, a new EU trade policy set to halve steel import quotas starting in July — take effect. He noted that while imports had eased in Q1, evidence shows they remain high at the beginning of Q2, and higher freight rates and longer shipping times due to Middle East war disruptions are unlikely to delay arrivals.

What did Eurofer report about the share of steel imports in the EU market, and when?

The European Steel Association (Eurofer) warned in March that steel imports reached a record 29% share of the EU steel market in the third quarter of 2025.

ArcelorMittal sees EU steel imports staying high

Apr 30, 2026

ArcelorMittal's CFO forecasts continued high EU steel imports before new quotas take effect, citing geopolitical disruptions. The Luxembourg-based firm also posted Q1 core earnings of $1.68 billion, surpassing analyst expectations.

reuters

2026-04-30

ArcelorMittal sees EU steel imports staying high

ArcelorMittal sees EU steel imports staying high

FAQ