First CBAM certificate price published
The European Commission published the first CBAM certificate price for Q1 2026 on 7 April 2026.
The price for Q1 2026 is €75.36 per certificate.
The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) aims to ensure a level playing field by applying a carbon price to selected imported goods such as steel, aluminium, cement, and fertilisers, preventing carbon leakage and supporting the EU’s climate objectives.
CBAM pricing mechanism
From 2026, CBAM enters its financial phase. Importers are required to purchase certificates corresponding to the embedded emissions of imported goods.
For 2026:
- Prices are calculated on a quarterly basis
- Based on the weighted average EU ETS auction clearing price
- Each price applies to imports during the relevant quarter
From 2027 onwards:
- Prices will be calculated and published weekly
Published CBAM certificate prices 2026
The European Commission will publish prices on the following dates:
- Q1 2026 – 7 April 2026 – €75.36
- Q2 2026 – 6 July 2026
- Q3 2026 – 5 October 2026
- Q4 2026 – 4 January 2027
Although authorised CBAM declarants will only start purchasing certificates from February 2027 (covering 2026 imports), prices are published in advance to ensure transparency and market predictability.
Purpose of early publication
Early publication ensures:
- Greater transparency for importers and stakeholders
- Improved predictability of carbon compliance costs
- Reduced reliance on unofficial price estimates
