Blog posts
The EU CBAM: a two-way street between the EU and Africa
Sandbag’s newly released CBAM Simulator allowed us to explore how the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could impact African exporters — and how cleaner production and carbon pricing could turn a cost into a competitive edge.
Electrification or electrical decarbonisation? We need both!
Sandbag’s response to the EU’s Electricity Action Plan highlights why both electrification and power sector decarbonisation are essential. It warns that growing electricity demand risks cannibalising clean power, unless renewable deployment accelerates.
Sandbag’s Response to the CBAM Calls for Evidence
Sandbag has submitted responses to the EU’s CBAM calls for evidence, addressing emissions reporting, adjustment for free allocation, and carbon prices paid abroad. We highlight risks such as loopholes and unequal treatment, and propose practical solutions to strengthen CBAM’s effectiveness and fairness.
CBAM impact on US trade: an analysis
Sandbag’s September 2025 research note explores the impact of the EU’s CBAM on US exports. It finds that even with expanded scope, the financial impact remains marginal — and US carbon pricing could turn net costs negative.
The EU CBAM: A Two-Way Street to Climate Integrity?
Sandbag’s latest report examines how the EU’s CBAM will impact third country exporters. While some may reduce costs through resource shuffling, real emissions may remain unchanged — calling for stronger alignment through carbon pricing.
State Aid for Indirect Carbon Costs: Reform before extending!
Sandbag responds to the EU’s consultation on State aid for Indirect Carbon Costs (ICC), calling for targeted reforms to better support clean electricity, avoid windfall profits, and align with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Heat up industry, not the climate!
This position paper analyses the European Commission’s industrial heat auction, highlighting the importance of auction design to ensure electrification reduces emissions without causing unintended increases due to electricity grid dynamics.
Strengthening the CBAM — by default
Sandbag’s August 2025 brief calls for systemic default values to close CBAM loopholes—addressing scrap and cement circumvention, electricity imports, and indirect emissions.