CBAM 重塑竞争规则，欧盟钢铁进口商的成本管控与供应链重构策略

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by the EU to address carbon leakage and its implications for steel importers, highlighting the need for strategic adjustments in procurement and production methods to mitigate potential cost impacts [1][9]. Group 1: CBAM Implementation and Challenges - The CBAM was introduced to combat carbon leakage by imposing carbon pricing on imports linked to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) [1]. - The mechanism will be implemented in two phases: a transitional phase from October 2023 to December 2025, where reporting is required but no taxes are imposed, followed by a full implementation phase starting January 2026 [1]. - During the transitional phase, challenges have emerged, particularly for small importers, leading to the introduction of a minimum threshold of 50 tons to exempt approximately 90% of importers from detailed reporting requirements [1]. Group 2: EU Steel Import Dependency - The EU is the largest importer of semi-finished and finished steel, accounting for 35% of global steel imports, with dependency on imports rising from 17% in 2020 to an expected 21% in 2024 [4]. - Steel import volumes are projected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 0.63% from 2026 to 2030 [4]. Group 3: Impact of CBAM on Steel Importers - CBAM is forcing EU steel importers to reassess their procurement strategies and the production technologies used by suppliers to manage cost impacts [6]. - The top ten countries supplying steel to the EU account for 69% of total imports, with China, Turkey, Russia, and India contributing over 60% [6]. - The two main production pathways for steel are the Blast Furnace-Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF-BOF) and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) methods, with EAF having significantly lower CO2 emissions [6]. Group 4: Expected Cost Implications of CBAM - Although the fixed carbon price for 2026 has not been announced, it is expected to be linked to the EU ETS carbon price, projected to rise to €85 per ton in 2026 and drop to €65 in 2027 due to potential oversupply [10]. - The implementation of CBAM could lead to an additional carbon tax of €2.21 billion to €2.7 billion for EU steel imports in 2026, with BF-BOF steel imports contributing the majority of this cost [12]. Group 5: Strategies for Mitigating Financial Impact - EU steel importers need to act quickly to mitigate potential cost impacts from CBAM by evaluating the specific effects on their supply chains and the maturity of suppliers' emissions reporting [14]. - Short-term strategies include close communication with suppliers to encourage cleaner steel production and incorporating carbon metrics into procurement processes [14]. - Long-term strategies may involve reconfiguring supply chains to prioritize regions with lower carbon production methods, potentially reducing CBAM-related costs significantly [14]. Group 6: Global Exporters' Response - Global exporters supplying the EU are also taking measures to decarbonize their production methods to remain competitive, with initiatives in countries like India and China aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions [17][18]. Group 7: Opportunities During the Transition Period - The transition period provided by CBAM offers time for proactive supplier collaboration, investment in cleaner production, and integrating carbon considerations into procurement decisions, which can help manage financial risks [20].