Posted on 21 Jan 2026
The full implementation of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), which began on 1 January, was a success, the European Commission said on 14 January.
CBAM imports declared during that first six-day reporting window totalled 1.66 million tonnes — 98% of which was steel and iron; these materials had already dominated during CBAM’s 2023-2025 transitional period.
Yet for some importers, the picture is far less rosy.
Alexander Julius, president of the EUROMETAL lobby for steel and metals, told Contexte the first two weeks under the levy were “marked by confusion and uncertainty”, which was particularly difficult for small businesses.
Companies had “no realistic chance to prepare adequately”, as critical operational documents were published a day before the launch, he said.
New contracts for post-January deliveries have also slowed down, Julius added, as many companies wait for “greater clarity and risk assessment before committing to further imports”.
Source:EUROMETAL
