The European Commission has published the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) certificate price for Q2 2026: €75,28 per tonne of CO₂. The price applies to CBAM-covered goods imported into the European Union during the second quarter of 2026. Following the publication of the first CBAM certificate price for Q1 2026 (€75.36/tCO₂), this second quarterly price provides additional insight into how carbon costs under CBAM are developing in practice.
Q2 2026 CBAM certificate price published
Why does the Q2 price matter?
The publication of a second quarterly price marks an important step in the operationalisation of CBAM.
While the first price established the initial benchmark for 2026, the Q2 price provides organisations with a second reference point that can be used to monitor developments in carbon pricing and assess potential cost exposure associated with imported CBAM goods.
As more quarterly price data becomes available, organisations gain a clearer picture of the carbon costs associated with imported CBAM goods and how these evolve over time.
How is the CBAM certificate price determined?
CBAM certificate prices are directly linked to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The European Commission calculates the quarterly CBAM certificate price based on the average auction clearing prices of EU ETS allowances during the relevant quarter. This ensures that imported products face a carbon cost comparable to that paid by producers within the European Union.
In 2026, the European Commission publishes one CBAM certificate price per quarter. From 2027 onwards, CBAM certificate prices will be published on a weekly basis.
What does this mean for importers?
Although CBAM certificates for 2026 imports will only need to be purchased from 2027 onwards, the quarterly publication of certificate prices already provides important visibility into future compliance costs.
For importers of iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen and electricity, these quarterly price updates can support:
- Budgeting and financial planning;
- Supply chain risk assessments;
- Procurement and sourcing decisions;
- Scenario analyses for future CBAM obligations;
- Internal carbon cost calculations.
The actual financial impact will depend on both the applicable CBAM certificate price and the embedded emissions associated with imported goods.
Looking ahead
The publication of the Q2 2026 CBAM certificate price is another milestone in the gradual implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
With each quarterly update, businesses gain greater transparency regarding the carbon costs associated with imports into the European Union. As organisations continue preparing for full CBAM compliance, monitoring both certificate prices and embedded emissions data will become increasingly important.
Need support assessing the impact of CBAM on your organisation? Hulsman & Partners helps businesses understand CBAM requirements, calculate potential exposure and prepare for future compliance obligations.
