Italy's Assofermet is urging the European Union to protect downstream steel users alongside upstream producers as new trade measures take effect. The association warns that rising raw material costs, reduced sourcing options, and heavy compliance burdens are squeezing processors, distributors, and metalworking firms. It also requested a temporary exemption from Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism certificate requirements pending the finalisation of benchmark parameters. Assofermet argues that protecting only steel producers, without supporting their customers, will ultimately reduce steel demand and harm the entire industry.