Steel tariffs get green light from European Commission

The Economy Ministry said on Tuesday that it had imposed temporary tariffs on 10 steel products to protect ailing local manufacturers from growing imports. The introduction of the long-awaited duties, ranging from 11% to 25% will be in effect for 200 days, followed negotiations with the European Commission, which according to the government, "showed understanding of the intended actions". "The introduction of the tariffs will have a positive impact on the situation in our steel sector", the Economy Ministry said in its explanation of the decision, which takes effect this week. Sales of steel had dropped by 16% last year to 8.8 million tons, and losses jumped by two-fifths to zl. 1.3 billion. (Reuters)