Swiss Manufacturers Brace for EU Steel Tariff Cuts

As of October 9th, 2025, the European Union is preparing to make significant changes to its steel import policies, which are causing concern for the Swiss manufacturing industry. The EU intends to cut tariff-free steel import quotas by almost half and impose a 50% tariff on any excess shipments above those limits.

This move has prompted a strong reaction from the Swiss industry association Swissmem. They warn that these restrictions on free trade will have a major impact on Swiss manufacturers, who are already facing much steeper tariffs from the United States under the Trump administration's efforts to reshape global trade. Swissmem has called for a negotiated solution, stating that even the current 25% tariffs make it impossible for Swiss companies to compete in the EU market.

The Swiss steel industry, including major players like Swiss Steel and Stahl Gerlafingen, are closely analyzing the EU's planned measures and emphasizing the importance of Switzerland being exempted from such tariffs. Dozens of other Swiss firms that export processed steel to the EU are also expected to be affected by these changes.

The EU's steel import safeguards, which cap imports of 26 steel grades, have been steadily rising each year despite declining demand. These measures are set to expire in mid-2026 under World Trade Organization rules. The ongoing trade negotiations between Switzerland and the EU could be further complicated by any disputes over these tariffs.