EU Reduces DRI Imports by 15% in First Half of 2025

DRI Imports Fall Across the EU as Germany and Netherlands Scale Back

The European Union cut direct reduced iron (DRI) imports by 15.2% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, totaling 1.14 million tons. This sharp drop resulted mainly from the near-complete halt in DRI imports by Germany and the Netherlands, two of the region’s major steel producers. Germany slashed imports from 342,450 tons in H1 2024 to just 25,620 tons, while the Netherlands dropped from 122,090 tons to 42,350 tons.

Meanwhile, southern EU countries offset some of the losses. Italy, Spain, and Austria all increased their imports of DRI, with Italy leading at 596,810 tons—a 76.1% year-on-year jump. Austria followed with 173,110 tons (+22.1%), and Spain imported 127,710 tons (+16.4%). These shifts highlight a changing dynamic in EU steel feedstock sourcing, influenced by both geopolitical concerns and steel demand.

Although the overall decline is notable, the variation across member states reflects fragmented demand trends. The EU’s push toward low-emission steelmaking may also be shaping procurement strategies, especially in countries with more ambitious decarbonization targets.

Russia’s DRI Exports Decline as Venezuela Gains Market Share

Russia remained the EU’s top DRI supplier, shipping 374,180 tons in H1 2025—a 35.4% year-on-year decline. The biggest buyers of Russian material were Italy and Poland, though both saw significant reductions. Italy imported 233,440 tons (-25.7%), while Poland received 54,990 tons (-33.9%). In June alone, Russia shipped just 20,990 tons—a steep monthly drop of 81.2%.

In contrast, Venezuela sharply increased its DRI exports to the EU, delivering 358,300 tons in H1, a fivefold jump from the same period last year. This surge suggests a major realignment in supply chains as European buyers diversify away from traditional suppliers. Libya’s exports declined by 36.2%, while the US slightly reduced its DRI shipments to 193,830 tons (-1.1% y/y).

In June, total EU DRI imports fell to 137,490 tons, down 17.4% year-on-year and 33% month-on-month. Venezuela accounted for the majority of that month’s shipments, with 86,040 tons delivered. Libya exported no DRI in June, highlighting further volatility in supply channels.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The EU’s 15% cut in DRI imports reflects a pivotal shift in the bloc’s sourcing strategy amid geopolitical constraints and decarbonization goals. Germany and the Netherlands’ near-zero imports may signal long-term structural changes in steel production or a pivot to alternative raw materials. Meanwhile, the rise of Venezuela as a significant supplier marks a notable east-to-west realignment in the DRI trade. As EU producers prepare for stricter carbon regulations, expect sourcing to increasingly favor stable and ESG-compliant regions.