EU countries agreed to restrict when the bloc can suspend its carbon border levy on imports like steel, cement, and fertilisers. The new rules require a price spike of over 50% in six months compared to the 10-year average before a suspension can be proposed. This aims to give more certainty for low-carbon investments that rely on the fee keeping polluting imports more expensive. The final rules still need negotiation with EU lawmakers, who may remove the suspension clause entirely. The deal also extends coverage to products like washing machines and car parts. France pushed for exemptions after the Iran war raised fertiliser costs but accepted concessions for its overseas territories during emergencies.
