MPE position paper on the Commission’s proposal addressing the negative trade-related effects of global overcapacity on the Union steel market
08 January 2026
MPE position paper on the Commission’s proposal addressing the negative trade-related effects of global overcapacity on the Union steel market
Metal Packaging Europe (MPE) represents the producers of steel packaging across Europe. Steel packaging is a vital part of the European steel value chain, a key contributor to the circular economy, and an enabler of sustainable consumer goods distribution.
MPE supports the EU’s objective to address global steel overcapacity and unfair trade practices. However, the proposed Regulation risks creating serious unintended consequences for downstream users of steel, particularly the steel packaging sector and consequently for the European consumers.
Without adjustment, the Regulation would damage a highly circular and globally competitive European sector.
We therefore urge the EU decision makers to:
- Protect the entire steel value chain, not just primary steel producers.
- Ensure that tinplate quota and duties do not harm the competitiveness of the steel packaging sector.
- Shorten the two-year review cycle to six months to provide agility.
- Ensure that EU trade measures also support steel derivative products by including steel packaging & components in the scope (as in USA).