Steel is a key material for the European economy – from construction, transport and energy to the defence industry. The European steel sector employs around 300 000 people directly and more than 2.5 million indirectly, yet in recent years it has faced strong pressure from imports from third countries at unsustainable prices.

According to the Commission, this situation threatens the EU’s competitiveness and decarbonisation efforts, which are essential to meet the Green Deal objectives, while preserving the Union’s strategic autonomy in defence and key infrastructure. Since 2008, the European steel industry has lost around 100 000 jobs and its capacity utilisation is well below profitability.

The new regulation is intended to replace the existing safeguard measures, which expire on 30 June 2026.
The proposed rules foresee:

• The opening of duty-free import quotas for individual categories of steel products up to a certain level of imports (in total approximately 18.3 million tonnes per year),
• the imposition of a 50% duty on imports in excess of these quotas,
• the obligation to provide proof of the country of melt and pour of the steel in order to prevent circumvention of the measures via third countries,
• a periodic review of the effectiveness of the measures, the first by 2031.

The aim is to create a stable environment that allows European producers to invest in low-carbon technologies and to ensure a level playing field in global steel trade.

The proposal will now be discussed by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure.

Petr Škapa

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko a.s.

MOBILE: +420 724 880 329

E-MAIL: Petr.Skapa@pst-clc.cz

WEB: www.pst-clc.cz

Článek European Commission proposes new regulation to protect the steel market from the negative effects of global overcapacity se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

Among the main flows used by PST CLC Mitsui-Soko for shipments between Asia and Europe, ocean freight is the main mode of transport with the highest volumes. “Sea freight is still the most popular from Asia, despite the increase in transit times as shippers are still unable to use the Suez Canal due to attacks. Another significant part of goods travels by rail via the Silk Road, but of course air transport is the fastest. Transportation via the Middle Corridor has not survived due to competition from maritime transport,” says Jan Bláha, director of transportation at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko.

Overall transport volumes are growing slightly. “We often notice that our clients in many cases experience a reduction in the volumes of individual shipments, but at the same time an increase in the frequency of their shipments. In practice, this means that the customer does not order several containers at once, but rather spreads the shipments over a period of time into several smaller orders,” says Jan Bláha.

He also observes this trend with collection shipments, where the customer does not have, for example, one container sent per month, but splits the volume into several smaller collection shipments within a month. “Thanks to this trend, customers do not have to invest so much in storage space. At the same time, it means cash flow savings. They don’t have to pay for the whole delivery at once, but spread the payment over time. It also means diversification of risk, because if there is an unexpected delay in one delivery, the customer knows that the next delivery is due in a week,” says Jan Bláha.

Článek Interest in using the Middle Corridor has declined, the trend is to send smaller shipments at a higher frequency se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

As of 1 January 2026, the threshold for when a company is required to file a CBAM report will change from €150 per shipment to 50 tonnes of CBAM goods/year.

This change is not the only one, but it is quite crucial. “Other changes include the possibility of delegating the reporting to a third party, previously only an importer or indirect agent, or changing the amount of CBAM certificates purchased on an ongoing basis from 80 to 50 percent,” specifies Petr Škapa, head of customs management methodology at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko.

CBAM will have a direct impact on the budget of the EU, which already foresees the collection of a “carbon duty” and has included it in its long-term strategy.

And how are Czech companies preparing for this major change in the cap? “I get questions from companies about CBAM almost every day. Probably the best preparation at the moment is for companies expecting to exceed 50 tonnes of CBAM imports for 2026 to apply for CBAM declarant approval. This is a paramount task and it is essential to have the approval issued as soon as possible,” says Petr Škapa.

Application for Approved CBAM Declarant status

He stresses that according to the Omnibus proposal, there should be no restriction on imports for companies that apply for the status of approved CBAM declarant by 31 March 2026. There will be relatively enough time for the others, as the first annual declaration will not be filed until 2027 and the first “carbon duty” in the form of the purchase of CBAM certificates will also not be paid until 2027. “Our company was one of the first companies to apply for a CBAM approved declarant permit and we are now at the stage just before the permit is issued,” says Petr Škapa.

CBAM declarations will continue in 2026 already to the extent of filing once a year, with declarations for 2026 imports being filed by 31.8.2027. CBAM certificates themselves will then be available for purchase only from 1.2.2027. Unfortunately, companies cannot prepare for the essentials. They still do not have enough information to determine, i.e. calculate, the price of CBAM certificates; traders need to calculate this price today in their future trading operations carried out during 2026,” says Petr Škapa.

The so-called CBAM benchmark is reflected in the calculation. This will be the value that, after multiplication with the CBAM factor (97.5% for 2026), will be subtracted from the values of the actual issues, which will be the basis for determining the first and essential part of the formula. This value will then be multiplied by the carbon price (EU ETS) and the quantity of goods imported in tonnes.

Petr Škapa adds that at the same time it will now be possible to use reference values to determine the price of the CBAM certificate. This will be in cases where certified data on embodied emissions are not obtained from the manufacturer.

Regulatory uncertainty threatens competitiveness

As we said, the CBAM benchmark and reference values will be published later this year.  “The problem of not knowing the benchmark and reference values at the time of purchase of goods is not as critical as not knowing them at the time of subsequent sale of goods. It will be necessary to purchase CBAM certificates in 2027 for goods imported in 2026. These certificates will then represent a direct additional cost. However, without benchmarks and a CBAM benchmark, companies cannot make informed procurement decisions, assess cost impacts or prepare any mitigation strategy,” says Petr Škapa.

He adds that this creates a situation of regulatory uncertainty that is incompatible with the principles of fair competition. The lack of information not only prevents companies from preparing adequately, but also exposes them to the risk of sudden and disproportionate cost increases, which jeopardises their competitiveness against EU and non-EU producers.

Článek Changes to the carbon tariff are approved. Companies must prepare for new CBAM rules se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko’s distribution centres across the country are focusing on optimising warehouse occupancy. The “warehouse occupation” project focuses on warehouse pricing in m³ and targeted efficient use of warehouse capacity.

A project on productivity evaluation system innovation is also ongoing. “We are now testing the setup in live operation, where we monitor productivity using a database into which all activities – employee performance – are automatically entered on a daily basis,” says Pavel Nodžák, Logistics General Manager at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko. He adds that the project is divided into four phases, including data collection, loading activities outside the Logenius system using cards and a terminal, tracking stock by pallet type and comparing standards with real times. The outputs are then visualised using graphs and tables available on the Helpdesk.

Logistics managers at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko are also heavily involved in a project to extend online pallet account management and tracking. “We have currently started the next phase of a project to expand pallet account management within warehouse logistics, which aims to increase transparency and efficiency in pallet management. Among other things, this initiative will contribute to the accurate accounting of services and the optimisation of warehouse operations,” explains Pavel Nodžák.

He further states, “In the area of warehouse automation, we have identified technologies for automated cleaning, such as robotic vacuum cleaners and sweepers. These systems bring greater efficiency, lower costs and a safer working environment. Further testing of selected machines is currently underway, following the completion of the first and second phases of the tender process.”

Selection and testing of booster options for heavy lifting is also underway. “Our safety guidelines set hygiene limits for manual handling of loads. If these limits are exceeded, work must be interrupted or alternate activities must be arranged,” says Pavel Nodžák. He sees the introduction of mechanical boosters in the operation as another step towards reducing the physical load, which will contribute to the safety and comfort of employees.

Článek PST CLC Mitsui-Soko tests robotic cleaning systems and continues to optimize logistics se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

“I see this award as recognition of the work of our entire team. We at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko have long prided ourselves on a fair partnership with Customs and a professional approach to customs and logistics processes. I very much appreciate this honour,” says Vít Votroubek.

“PST CLC Mitsui-Soko has a long-standing profile as a reliable partner in customs services, transport and warehousing. I am very pleased with the award, but I am most pleased that the quality of our customs services is appreciated especially by our customers who have been using our services for a long time, and moreover their number is growing. Since last year, we have also been actively operating in Slovakia, where we have launched our Customs Services SK branch,” says Vít Votroubek.

He adds that PST CLC Mitsui-Soko has also opened a Customs Services branch at the Košice terminal. “We see great business opportunities there. Once the war conflict in Ukraine is over, the reconstruction of Ukraine will begin. The Koper-Kosice corridor will be heavily used. It will be ready to handle the onslaught of goods movement towards Ukraine so that the reconstruction of Ukraine can be fully launched and all customs clearance requirements are properly met,” says Petr Böhm, Director of Customs Services Division at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko.

Let us add that Vit Votroubek has also previously served as Director of Customs Services at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko. His professional career in this company began in 2007, when he joined as Director of Logistics, then in 2010 he took over the role of Director of Customs Services Division. He subsequently rose to the position of CEO and Chairman of the Board.

For the sake of interest, let us add that before joining logistics he worked as an aircraft mechanic at the Research and Testing Institute of Aviation in Kbely, Prague.

Článek Vít Votroubek received the award of the Customs Office for the Capital City of Prague se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

🔹 When: 10 September 2025 at 14:00
🔹 Where: online (Microsoft Teams)
🔹 For whom: Slovak importers, representatives of companies from industry, logistics and customs specialists
🔹 Seminar topics:

• Overview of CBAM legislation and outlook to 2026
• Practical procedure for fulfilling the notification obligation
• Role of the declarant and customs administration
• Common mistakes and recommendations from practice

📝Registration: here

The seminar will be led by experts with practical experience in customs, trade and CBAM reporting. There will also be space for questions from participants.

Don’t underestimate the preparation – CBAM will affect your company’s costs and processes.

Článek Online seminar: CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

Currently, PST CLC Mitsui-Soko’s distribution centers are planning to implement automation in contract logistics, launch a project aimed at expanding the management and tracking of the existing pallet account, and upgrade the productivity evaluation system. These and other topics were discussed at an offsite two-day meeting of PST CLC Mitsui-Soko logistics division managers from headquarters, distribution centers and warehouses across the country. The managers reviewed the results of the past fiscal year across all logistics centers and talked about the company’s logistics plans.

For example, the division’s budget was met in the past fiscal year, as well as the launch of a project to standardize the setting of calculations for logistics services provided and for warehouse occupation, with the goal of ensuring that warehouse capacity is utilized to the maximum and yet efficiently.

Evaluated key indicators and optimisation projects

“At the meeting, we evaluated key indicators and optimization projects, shared successfully implemented projects with each other and sought common standards for their use,” notes Pavel Nodžák, Logistics General Manager at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko.

He adds: “We also discussed new opportunities for improvement in multi-user and contract logistics, with the aim of eliminating losses and improving safety in logistics centres and in all our services.”

Each of the managers had the opportunity to present their centre in a structured manner. “For example, we talked about the successfully implemented project for the replacement of the fleet of handling equipment at Philip Morris ČR in Kutná Hora, where PST CLC Mitsui-Soko has been outsourcing internal logistics for seventeen years,” says Pavel Nodžák.

Streamlining work in warehouses

Vít Votroubek, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of PST CLC Mitsui-Soko, who also attended the meeting, commented on the results of the logistics division. In logistics, the opening of a co-packing center contributed to the achievement of our goals, and we were able to establish cooperation with new clients.”

Vít Votroubek says: “We provided professional services to clients in the area of warehousing, reflecting their requirements, and we evaluated these services with clients on the basis of precisely defined KPI indicators. We also provide in-house logistics for large clients, and we are now also operating in Slovakia.”

A tour of the automated distribution centre in the Czech Republic

The busy programme included two inspiring visits. “The first was a professional visit to macro CR’s automated warehouse in Kozomín, where we were guided by Tomáš Kováč, Senior Operations Manager – Distribution Center of macro CR. The second visit was of a cultural nature, where we toured the state castle of Veltrusy, where the guide took us through a tour of the Golden Times in the service of the Empress,” describes Jiří Bradna, Sales Director and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of PST CLC Mitsui-Soko.

Let us add that the event was attended by: Vít Votroubek, Jiří Bradna, Pavel Nodžák, Jakub Kotrouš (Project & Operations Manager), Marek Pavel (Project Manager), Igor Staš (Operations Manager), Zdeněk Cífka (LC Úžice Manager), Lukáš Kukla (LC Nehvizdy Manager), Stanislav Bednář (LC Pohořelice Manager), Oldřich Zukal (LC Brno – Tuřany Manager) and Martina Hutáková (LC Ostrava Mošnov Manager).

Článek PST CLC Mitsui-Soko reviews results and launches further innovations i logistics se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

The fleet of dozens of pieces of material handling equipment was replaced with new ones. Over the past three years, the PST CLC Mitsui-Soko team in Kutná Hora has managed to optimize the number of trucks by 13 units, also thanks to the implementation of a digital twin and fleet management system, which significantly saves operating costs.  

“We were considering whether to buy or lease the new handling equipment again. The decision was made to go for a long-term lease,” says Pavel Nodžák, Logistics General Manager at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko.

When selecting new equipment, the company was interested in new technologies. “For example, we used laser targeting for retractors, which are used to determine the position of forks in individual rack parcels, which not only slightly speeds up handling operations, but also makes them safer. Laser targeting eliminates the risk of hitting the rack structure or the goods,” notes Igor Staš, Operations Manager at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko.

At Philip Morris ČR in Kutná Hora, the operation of combustion equipment, specifically gas-powered equipment, has been discontinued. These trucks have been replaced by Li-Ion battery trucks. “This technology is a trend today. Many companies are switching from combustion or traction batteries to Li-Ion technology. At Philip Morris CR, we have eliminated additional costs through this transition. There was no need to build a large charging station, a charging point is enough to charge the trucks with Li-Ion batteries,” says Igor Stas.

A special type of tongs is used to handle the tobacco boxes, which is an additional device that prevents possible damage to the carton packaging.

Článek PST CLC Mitsui-Soko expands customer portal to include pallet distributionPST CLC Mitsui-Soko in Philip Morris ČR has implemented the renewal of the fleet of handling equipment se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

“In the online system, the customer can see the current status, i.e. that the shipment has been tendered, picked up or delivered, or delivered with reservations. A reservation can be any discrepancy that the driver finds. After delivery, a scan of the delivery note is uploaded for each order within forty-eight hours and can be downloaded by the customer,” says Antonín Stratílek, Road Forwarding Manager at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko.

He adds that thanks to the implemented innovation, it is not necessary for customers to communicate frequently with dispatchers, as everything is clearly and clearly indicated in the system. For both parties, this therefore means time savings. “Thanks to the extension of the customer portal, the information flow from pick-up to delivery has been simplified. For our company, this means a reduction in the number of necessary communications between dispatchers, drivers and cross-dock centres. The system also makes it easier to control the shipments,” says Antonín Stratílek.

It took almost two years to develop the extension of the online portal with a transport order form and the Track & Trace system for domestic pallet distribution customers. “Key Account Manager of PST CLC Mitsui-Soko Petr Haman, who has experience with a similar product for container transport, was largely involved in the project. In cooperation with developers from our IT division, the entire system was fine-tuned. Our goal was to create a clear, functional and user-friendly environment,” says Antonín Stratílek. He adds that the system remembers data from previous orders in the address book, which significantly speeds up the ordering of shipments for clients.  

Článek PST CLC Mitsui-Soko expands customer portal to include pallet distribution se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

The PST Academy, which involves approximately a quarter of the employees of PST CLC Mitsui-Soko, offers participants both up-to-date expertise in their job performance and soft skills. “Courses have focused on communication and cooperation, for example, as well as an overview of labour law for managers, economics for managers, and there have also been specialist courses for employees from the transport division, courses focusing on trends in the warehousing industry, customs declarations and so on. Suggestions for training come from division directors,” says Iva Šebková, HR director at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko.

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko is a part of the global Japanese Mitsui-Soko Group, which is why the intensive one-day course on Japanology, which covered Japanese traditions, intercultural differences, language, labour market settings, etc., was very popular. “Due to the deductibility of costs, it is always essential that the content of the training corresponds to the job description of the specific employees. Therefore, the Japanology course was designed for colleagues who come into contact with representatives of the group from Japan, which applies not only to the management of the company, but also, for example, to some dispositions,” specifies Iva Šebková.

He adds that one of his other favourite training courses was a course called Master of Logistics, led by experienced logistics professional Rudolf Malý. “It was a six-day block of training in which colleagues from logistics deepened their knowledge in the field of warehousing, for example, in controlling individual activities, innovations in warehouse processes and so on. This training was also a great success and I assume that we will be implementing it again for other participants at the beginning of next year,” says Iva Šebková.

Článek PST Academy celebrates a year: the path to expertise and soft skills. There was, for example, a course in Japanology se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.