欧盟碳关税来了，钢铝产业影响几何

Core Viewpoint - The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will officially enter its charging phase on January 1, 2026, initially covering six product categories: steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen. By 2028, the scope is expected to expand to approximately 180 downstream products, including washing machines and automotive parts [1][3]. Group 1: Implementation and Coverage - The CBAM's product coverage has been clarified, with a temporary agreement reached on December 12, 2022, confirming the initial six product categories [3]. - The implementation of CBAM will follow a phased approach, with a transition period from 2023 to 2025 focusing on carbon data research, leading to formal legislation in 2026 [14]. - The actual payment obligations will primarily affect companies collaborating with large EU importers due to exemption thresholds, which will significantly reduce compliance burdens for small and medium-sized enterprises [17]. Group 2: Product Specifics and Emission Accounting - Different products under CBAM will have varying emission coverage; for instance, indirect emissions from steel and aluminum will not incur charges, while cement and fertilizers will be charged for both direct and indirect emissions [14]. - The CBAM will expand its coverage to include downstream products by 2028, with the cost burden depending on the proportion of steel and aluminum in those products [15]. Group 3: Impact on Chinese Enterprises - Chinese enterprises exporting to the EU, particularly in the steel and aluminum sectors, will need to establish differentiated carbon emission data management systems to comply with CBAM [20]. - The majority of Chinese exporters affected by CBAM will be larger companies, as many small exporters will fall below the 50-ton exemption threshold [17]. - The actual impact on major Chinese aluminum exporters is expected to be limited due to their ability to track production data and lower actual emissions compared to default values set by CBAM [19]. Group 4: Broader Implications and Strategic Responses - The introduction of CBAM and other EU regulations signals a growing trend of green trade barriers, pushing for low-carbon transitions globally [24]. - Chinese companies are encouraged to adapt to EU standards and develop low-carbon supply chains to mitigate compliance risks while participating in international carbon rule-making [24][25]. - China's proactive approach to low-carbon transformation and its relatively better energy structure compared to other developing countries may provide a competitive advantage in the face of stringent EU regulations [25].