Archive · 31 Dec 2025
EU's CBAM to Impact Indian Steel, Aluminium Exports
The European Union has started a new rule called CBAM that will tax steel and aluminium imports based on how much pollution was made to produce them.
This will make it harder for Indian companies to sell these metals to the EU because most Indian steel is made using a method that creates a lot of pollution.
Indian companies are looking for new markets in Africa and West Asia.
The new rule might also make Indian companies try to make their products with less pollution.
Over time, the rule might include more products and make it even harder for polluting industries to sell to the EU.
Indian exporters may need to cut prices by 15-22% to remain competitive, and smaller exporters might struggle with complex data and verification requirements.
EU's CBAM will tax steel and aluminium imports based on production emissions, impacting Indian exporters.
India is the second-largest exporter of steel and aluminium to the EU after China.
Most Indian steel is produced using blast furnaces, which generate high CO2 emissions.
Indian companies are exploring alternative markets in Africa and West Asia due to the new EU rules.
CBAM is expected to accelerate decarbonisation efforts among Indian manufacturers targeting the European market.
- Who
- Indian steel and aluminium exporters, EU importers
- What
- Implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by the EU
- When
- January 1, 2026
- Where
- European Union
- Why
- To tax imports based on the volume of emissions associated with production, promoting cleaner production and reducing carbon emissions
- Mechanism
- Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
- Effective Date
- January 1, 2026
- Impacted Industries
- Steel, Aluminium, Cement, Fertilizers, Electricity, Hydrogen
- India's Export Rank
- Second-largest exporter to EU after China
- Production Method
- Blast furnaces (high CO2 emissions)
- Alternative Markets
- Africa, West Asia
- Potential Impact
- Compressed margins, reduced price competitiveness
- Long-term Effect
- Accelerated decarbonisation efforts
- Price Cut
- 15-22%
- Verification Standards
- EU-recognised or ISO 14065-compliant verifiers