Oslo, Norway - 18 November 2025
The European Union (EU) today announced the introduction of safeguard measures
with regard to imports of certain ferroalloys from third countries, including
the European Economic Area (EEA) countries. Approximately 75 per cent of Elkem's
ferrosilicon produced in Norway and Iceland is sold to the EU.
The European Commission decided in December 2024 to initiate a safeguard
investigation concerning imports of silicon and manganese-based alloying
elements to shield EU industry from rising third-country imports. The Commission
has now concluded that EU ferroalloys producers are suffering serious injury
caused by increased imports and that safeguard measures are required.
In the safeguard proposal approved by the required majority of EU member states
on 18 November 2025, it was decided to impose measures in the form of country
-specific tariff rate quotas (TRQs) per type of ferroalloy, limiting the volume
of imports to enter the EU duty-free. Imports exceeding these quota volumes may
enter the EU duty-free if their price exceeds the established threshold. For
imports priced below the established threshold, the applicable duty shall be
equivalent to the difference between the net free-at-Union-frontier price and
the established price threshold for each product type. The EU Commission will
conduct trimonthly consultations with Norway and Iceland and will review the
impact of the measure.
The measures will be effective as of 18 November 2025 and will be in place for a
period of three years, expiring on 17 November 2028. Silicon metal was not
included among the products affected by these safeguard measures.
"For Elkem, the safeguard measure could result in a reduction in sales volumes
of ferrosilicon allocated to the EU market from the production sites in Rana,
Bremanger and Bjølvefossen in Norway, and from Iceland. This will be compensated
by sales to other regions. We also expect the reduction in sales volume to the
EU to be compensated by increased EU market prices. The net impact on Elkem's
earnings depends on how much the market prices in EU will increase due to this
safeguard measure," says Elkem Senior Vice President of Silicon Products Inge A.
Grubben-Strømnes.
"This said, Elkem regrets the Commission's decision to not exempt Norway and
Iceland from the safeguard measure introduced on ferroalloys, as was done
previously for steel. Significant investments have been made to establish
complete and efficient value chains within the ferroalloy and silicon sector
across the EU, Norway and Iceland. At a time of mounting geopolitical
uncertainty and security risks, it is important that European countries unite
and leverage existing assets and cross-border infrastructure to secure critical
value chains and a strong, competitive economy," adds Grubben-Strømnes.
Elkem exports approximately 160.000 mt of ferrosilicon products to the EU per
year from Rana, Bremanger and Bjølvefossen in Norway, and from Hvalfjörður in
West Iceland, primarily to major steel producers in the EU. The materials go
into products ranging from EVs to electronics, renewable energy production and
military applications.
For further information, please contact:
Odd-Geir Lyngstad
VP Finance & Investor Relations
Tel: +47 976 72 806
Email: odd-geir.lyngstad@elkem.com
Marianne Stigset
VP Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
Tel: +47 411 88 482
Email: marianne.stigset@elkem.com
About Elkem:
Elkem is one of the world's leading providers of advanced silicon-based
materials shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops
silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw
materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers
create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital
communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable
cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than
7,200 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential.
In 2024, Elkem achieved an operating income of NOK 33 billion. Elkem has been
awarded top score of A on Forests and Water Security, and B on Climate Change
from CDP. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK), where the
company is also included in the ESG Index. www.elkem.com