The EU will propose cutting steel import quotas and significantly increasing tariffs on the metal from abroad, the bloc's industry chief Stephane Sejourne told the sector on Wednesday, mirroring US moves.

Brussels will unveil new measures next week to protect the steel sector that will replace a current "safeguard clause" expiring next year, Sejourne said during a meeting in Brussels, participants told AFP.

Protecting the steel industry is a priority for Brussels, especially after US President Donald Trump slapped 50 percent tariffs on the metal this year.

The European Commission will propose the changes to prevent a wave of cheap steel flooding the EU market following Washington's new levies, as well as Canada's higher tariffs on Chinese imports.

The EU agreed a tariff deal with the U

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