<article><p class="lead">The EU and US have advanced in talks on a framework for decarbonizing the aluminum and steel sectors ahead of an October deadline, representatives said today after a meeting in Brussels.</p><p>US trade representative Katherine Tai said that conversations between the two sides had continued with "a view of shaping a joint vision for decarbonizing these two sectors."</p><p>The countries have until October 2023 to find a framework <a href="https://metals.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2269149">based on a deal struck in 2021</a> that removed US tariffs on imports of EU aluminum and steel imports and and them with a nontariffed quota system. The EU ended retaliatory tariffs on imported US goods in line with the deal. The US tariffs had been imposed by then-president Donald Trump in March 2018.</p><p>"We shared a concept paper" with the EU team led by EU trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, Tai said. "We are on track. We are motivated and there is a concept that we are committed to proving with our partners in the EU on this."</p><p>European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen <a href="https://metals.argusmedia.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article/2410314">reiterated her concerns today</a> over protectionism in the US and China, promising green deal industrial plans and legislation to help EU firms struggling with higher energy prices.</p><p class="bylines">By Rye Druzin</p></article>
