According to the European Steel Association (EUROFER), ahead of the publication of the first carbon certificate prices under the CBAM mechanism, the industry requires an urgent refinement of the rules. Financial obligations under the mechanism have already taken effect as of January 1, 2026, and by April 7, the European Commission is set to announce CO2 price benchmarks for importers, particularly of steel products. For the market, this is essentially the first practical indicator of the actual cost of accessing the European market. Against the backdrop of global steel overcapacity and rising energy costs, this decision will directly impact trade flows and supplier competitiveness.
Key CBAM Changes Proposed by EUROFER
The association reaffirms its support for CBAM as a tool to combat carbon leakage and stimulate the decarbonization of the European steel industry. However, EUROFER believes the current model contains critical gaps that might not reduce global emissions but merely shift them outside the EU. Consequently, the organization insists on rapid adjustments to the rules even at the start of the mechanism's full pricing phase.
Among the key proposals are expanding CBAM coverage to a wider range of downstream products, introducing mandatory default values for goods and countries with a high risk of circumvention, and strengthening steel traceability. Additionally, EUROFER suggests accelerating and expanding the temporary decarbonization fund and creating a permanent solution for exports as soon as possible. The association also calls for the removal of simplified procedures for exempting specific goods or countries and the cancellation of the inward processing procedure exception.
Impact on the Steel Market and Solutions from winox.ua
For Ukrainian steel exporters and related production chains, potential CBAM tightening implies additional pressure on production costs and price competitiveness within the EU market. Preliminary estimates suggest that losses to the Ukrainian economy due to reduced iron and steel exports could be significant, with the impact on GDP by 2030 estimated to be much higher than previous European Commission calculations. This means industrial consumers and traders must already revise their approaches to contracting, metal origin, and documentation of carbon footprints.
In such a scenario, the importance of a reliable supplier with predictable quality and transparent product origin grows significantly for buyers. winox.ua, which supplies rolled metal, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals to industrial clients, serves as a practical partner during these regulatory shifts. The company carefully selects manufacturers and offers certified metal products that meet modern market requirements, helping businesses mitigate risks when planning supplies.
What This Means for Importers and Manufacturers in the Near Future
The publication of the first CBAM certificate prices will be a vital signal for all participants in the steel supply chain to the EU. Pricing models, import contract terms, and the feasibility of specific supply routes will depend on this benchmark. If EUROFER's proposals are taken into account, the mechanism could become stricter regarding control, product coverage, and emission verification requirements.
For manufacturers and traders, this translates to the need for rapid adaptation to a new regulatory reality. Transparency of data, correct product classification, traceability of origin, and compliance with EU ETS requirements will take center stage. The metal market in Europe will increasingly depend not only on the price per ton but also on the carbon profile of every shipment.