In the second quarter of 2025, total steel imports (including semi-finished products) into the European Union decreased by (-3%) compared to the previous year; this decline followed a slight drop in the first quarter (-1% or -0.6%). Imports of finished products also fell in the second quarter of 2025 (-7%), while they had remained unchanged in the previous quarter. During the same period, imports of flat products decreased (-9%) after also contracting in the previous quarter (-2%). Imports of long products also declined (-2%), whereas in the previous quarter they had recorded significant growth (+8%).
In 2024, imports of finished products generally increased (+7%). In particular, imports of flat products (+8%) as well as long products (+4%) grew. Imports throughout 2024 and up to now have shown more fluctuations, similar to the changes observed over the past four years.
Given the much weaker demand since the first quarter of 2022, imports declined from the second half of 2022 until the second quarter of 2023, before rising again throughout 2024. Overall, the available trade data for the first and second quarters of 2025 are still too early to clearly show the impact of U.S. tariffs.
Second Quarter of 2025: EU Imports by Country of Origin
In the second quarter of 2025, the main exporters of finished steel products to the EU market were, respectively: Turkey, South Korea, China, India, and Ukraine. The top five exporting countries accounted for 57% of total EU finished steel imports in the first half of 2025. Turkey ranked first with a 21% share, followed by South Korea (12%), China (9%), Ukraine and India (each 8%), and Taiwan (7%).
In the second quarter of 2025, imports from the main exporting countries showed different trends. The largest increases in imports of finished products were recorded from Ukraine (+44%) and Turkey (+41%). Imports from China also grew, though more moderately (+11%). In contrast, imports of finished products from India (-50%), Japan (-40%), Taiwan (-17%), and South Korea (-16%) declined sharply.
EU Imports by Product Category
According to customs data, in the second quarter of 2025, imports of flat products into the EU market decreased (-9%), and imports of long products followed the same trend (-2%). Long products accounted for 23% of total EU finished steel imports. Overall, finished product imports declined (-7%).
In the flat products segment, imports of all subcategories decreased in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, except for organic coated products (+5%). Imports of hot wide strip fell (-3%), along with coated sheets (-9%), cold-rolled sheets (-23%), hot-dip galvanized sheets (-12%), and quarto plate (-9%).
With respect to long products, imports in the second quarter of 2025 fell for wire rod (-11%) and rebar (-24%), while imports of heavy sections and merchant bars recorded significant growth (+29% and +39% respectively).
