America News Agency

Imports of steel, aluminum, cement and other heavy industry products into the EU will begin paying for the CO₂ emissions they generate as of January 1; the measure aims to protect EU producers who face stricter obligations compared to their foreign counterparts.

While the measure seeks to ensure fair competition for European industries, the EU’s carbon border tax—the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)—could lead to trade frictions and disputes with non-EU countries, potentially intensifying trade conflicts that have dominated the international stage since Donald Trump returned to the White House with an aggressive global tariff policy.

In October, during an official visit to Brussels by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the United States pressured the EU to withdraw the law, saying it would create major trade barriers between transatlantic partners. Earlier this year, the U.S. tripled tariffs on EU goods and raised tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50 percent.

China, India, Russia and South Africa have also opposed the EU law, saying it amounts to protectionism, while some countries are questioning its compatibility with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.