Price increase of CO2 certificates until 2026 and the effects of the new climate protection tariff

The introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has caused considerable excitement in the European business community. The EU Commission plans to introduce this instrument from 2026 to protect European companies from competitive disadvantages caused by the American Green Deal and similar measures in other parts of the world. But the introduction of the climate change tariff raises many questions and has already provoked trade conflicts.

CBAM, loosely translated as Climate Compensation Levy on Imports, is designed to ensure that companies importing inputs from countries with lower environmental standards make up the difference between the CO2 price in the EU and the price in their countries of origin. This is intended to prevent EU-based companies from shifting climate-damaging production abroad, while at the same time ensuring that products from countries with lower environmental standards are not more competitive.

However, the introduction of this instrument has provoked mixed reactions. Some European companies welcome the idea, hoping it will offset competitive disadvantages against non-European competitors that produce in a less environmentally friendly way. On the other hand, some companies see the risk of competitive distortions, especially in industries such as mechanical engineering and metal processing that rely on subcontracting. The bureaucracy associated with CBAM has been criticized as overly complex and bureaucratic.

A key criticism is that CBAM is being introduced before the EU’s major trading partners have established similar carbon pricing systems. This could create tensions in trade relations and even lead to trade conflicts with countries that criticize the climate change tariff and consider exemptions or lawsuits before the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The EU Commission stresses that CBAM is in line with WTO rules, but the EU’s international trading partners are skeptical. It remains to be seen how the WTO will react to this new instrument.

The biggest challenge, however, is implementing the climate change tariff. Companies must provide evidence of how climate-friendly their supplies from third countries are. This requires complex calculation and verification methods, which have only been known since mid-August. Small and medium-sized businesses could suffer particularly from this administrative burden, as they may not even know if and how CBAM affects them.

Overall, the introduction of CBAM remains a thorny issue, with both proponents and opponents on the scene. The impact on European industry and international trade is not yet fully foreseeable, and there is a risk of trade conflicts if the EU Commission is unable to convince its trading partners of the need for a carbon pricing system. In the coming years, developments in this area will need to be closely monitored, as they could have a significant impact on the global economy.

Conclusion for the European industry:

The introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has undoubtedly posed major challenges for European industry. While the goal of protecting companies from competitive disadvantages in the global marketplace and advancing climate action is laudable, many questions and concerns remain about implementation and the impact on industry.

The benefits of CBAM, such as reducing competitive disadvantages vis-à-vis non-European competitors, are obvious. European industry can hope for fair competition that rewards more environmentally friendly production methods. This could help increase the incentive for companies to pursue more sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint.

However, there are also significant challenges to overcome in terms of CBAM’s bureaucracy and administrative requirements. Small and medium-sized companies in particular may have difficulty keeping up with the complex calculations and proofs. It is crucial that the EU Commission provides clear guidance and support to industry to ensure smooth implementation.

Finally, European industry and the EU as a whole must ensure that CBAM is in line with international trade rules and that trade conflicts are avoided. Working with trading partners and persuading them to adopt similar carbon pricing systems in other parts of the world is critical to achieving smooth implementation and sustainable reductions in global emissions.

Advantages of CLIMAGATE as a CO2 broker:

CLIMAGATE as a CO2 broker can be of great benefit to European industry in these challenging times. Here are some of the benefits CLIMAGATE can offer:

1. Expertise and advice: CLIMAGATE has expertise in carbon trading and can help companies comply with CBAM’s complex requirements. This includes the calculation of CO2 emissions, the procurement of CO2 certificates and compliance with regulatory requirements.
2. Efficiency and time savings: CBAM implementation requires time and resources. CLIMAGATE can help companies increase efficiency and reduce administrative overhead by simplifying and speeding up administrative processes.
3. Risk Management: CLIMAGATE can help companies minimize risks associated with CBAM by developing carbon reduction strategies and recommending best practices for carbon trading.
4. International contacts: As an experienced player in CO2 trading, CLIMAGATE has a network of international partners and can help companies optimize trade relations and avoid potential trade conflicts.

Overall, working with an experienced carbon broker like CLIMAGATE can help overcome the challenges of CBAM and capitalize on the opportunities presented by this new climate change tariff. This could help put European industry on a sustainable and competitive path in an increasingly low-carbon world.