EC pushes back decision deadline on ferroalloys safeguarding probe

The European Commission extended the deadline for its safeguarding investigation into imports of manganese- and silicon-based alloying elements, it said in the EU's Official Journal Sept. 16, following weeks of market anticipation for an update.

Under Article 6(3) of EU Regulation, investigations for safeguarding measures should be concluded no later than nine months from their initiation, but can be extended by two months in exceptional circumstances.

The EC justified its decision by the "complex economic and legal analysis" required in considering the implementation of safeguarding measures on the import of such products. The publication of Implementing Regulation, if any measures were to be adopted, would happen no later than Nov. 18, 2025, said the EC. This pushes the latest date at which measures would be imposed to January 2026, but would still require the support of a majority of EU member states.

Ferrosilicon prices rose sharply over Q3 -- increasing from Eur972.50/mt ($1,148/mt) DDP Northwest Europe on July 30 to a peak of Eur1,600/mt Aug. 20 -- in anticipation of the EC announcement, with market talk circulating around the possibility the bloc would introduce minimum import prices. However, they fell back when no information from the EC was forthcoming. Ferromanganese prices also rose, but less steeply, climbing from Eur965/mt to Eur1,125/mt over the same period.

"It will create more readiness on the market," a trader said. "People will hesitate to buy or import material."

The EC started the investigation into imports of certain silicon- and manganese-based alloying elements at the request of some EU member states, it said Dec. 19.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed the weekly European ferromanganese price at Eur1,012.50/mt DDP NWE on Sept. 10, down Eur87.50/mt week over week, with the weekly European ferrosilicon price at Eur1,330/mt DDP NWE, Eur82.50/mt lower.