European steelmakers are protesting how the EU applies its new 50% steel tariff. When too many importers clear goods on the first day a quota opens, customs spread the duty across all cargoes instead of charging the excess in full. In one case, Chinese seamless tubes entered at an effective rate of just 22.53%. These imports landed almost €300 per metric ton below European prices. Producers say the loophole weakens protections introduced in July. Importers call the system the fairest option available.