碳边境税卡住印欧贸易谈判

Core Viewpoint - India is facing challenges due to the European Union's implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, impacting India's high-carbon export industries, particularly steel and aluminum [1][2]. Group 1: Trade Negotiations - India and the EU have accelerated trade negotiations, completing 14 rounds, but have not yet reached a free trade agreement as of the new year [1]. - The Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, visited the EU to discuss key trade issues, marking the negotiations' entry into a critical phase [1]. Group 2: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism - The CBAM requires imports to the EU, including cement, steel, aluminum, and fertilizers, to pay carbon fees equivalent to the EU's carbon trading system, affecting over 100 billion USD of Indian exports [2]. - India's steel industry, which relies heavily on coal, has a carbon emission intensity of 2.55 tons of CO2 per ton of crude steel, higher than the global average of 1.9 tons [3]. Group 3: Economic Impact - The implementation of the CBAM could impose additional costs of approximately 290 USD per ton on Indian steel exports to the EU, potentially leading to tariffs of 20% to 35% on steel, aluminum, and cement [3]. - In 2024, India is projected to export 4.3 million tons of steel to the EU, valued at around 3.9 billion euros, making it the largest steel supplier to the EU [3]. Group 4: India's Response - India has consistently opposed the CBAM, arguing it unfairly shifts climate responsibilities to developing countries and undermines multilateral trade [4]. - Despite opposition, India is seeking solutions through negotiations, aiming for tariff exemptions or special arrangements while also pushing for domestic green transitions in high-carbon industries [5].