US buyers import more steel due to high prices and tariffs, while ArcelorMittal seeks trade protections and Europe calls for green steel policy clarity.

US hot-rolled coil buyers are turning to imports amid high domestic prices and long lead times, driven by supply constraints and a 25% global steel tariff imposed in March 2025 that has raised costs and disrupted supply chains. Meanwhile, ArcelorMittal is urging governments in the Americas to strengthen import restrictions to protect domestic steel industries from surging imports and unfair trade practices. In Europe, GravitHy, a French DRI producer, says clear government policies on carbon pricing and clean hydrogen support are essential to scale green steel production, highlighting that investment and growth depend on regulatory certainty.