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

The South East Asia Iron and Steel Institute (SEAISI) was incorporated in 1971 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE). It is registered as a limited company in the Republic of Singapore. Previously in Singapore and the Manila, the Secretariat is now permanently based in Shah Alam, Malaysia.

SEAISI is a technical institute and its main objective is to promote the iron and steel industry in the South East Asia region. It achieves its objectives by facilitating technology transfer from around the world, especially from Japan, Korea and Taiwan. SEAISI organizes a major international conference and exhibition every year and amongst its publications are the Statistical Year Book and the Monthly ASEAN Iron & Steel Journal.

SEAISI enjoys a large membership base with members coming from all parts of the world, including leading steel companies and material suppliers and equipment suppliers.

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