EU CBAM Hits Chinese Steel Exporters With New Customs Burdens as Carbon Tariff Takes Effect in 2026
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 15
EU CBAM Hits Chinese Steel Exporters With New Customs Burdens as Carbon Tariff Takes Effect in 2026
3 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 15
Summary
Chinese steel and metal exporters say EU customs now require detailed CBAM filings — including factory coordinates and upstream carbon-intensity data — before shipments can clear.
The burden stems from the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which entered its implementation phase in January to equalize carbon costs on imports and EU-made goods.
Smaller Chinese producers are often hit hardest because many lack systems to track the required emissions data, even when they use relatively greener technology.
The complaints add to broader Beijing-Brussels trade strains, forcing Chinese firms serving the lucrative EU market to balance expansion plans against rising regulatory and geopolitical risks.