Europe needs an open steel market with the UK – Unesid

Maintaining open and stable trade relations is in the mutual interest of both the European Union and the United Kingdom. This was stated by Unesid, the Spanish steel producers’ association, following a meeting with UK State Secretary Chris Bryant.

The association expressed concern over the UK’s recent introduction of a series of protective measures that could negatively impact the European steel industry.

“The European and British steel industries face common challenges in a complex global environment. Trade restrictions must be coordinated to avoid disproportionate consequences and maintain balance in bilateral relations,” said Unesid Director General Carola Hermoso.

Spanish government officials confirmed that the country will continue to promote an open, stable, and predictable trading system that strengthens the competitiveness of European industry.

The association emphasizes the importance of strengthening cooperation with traditional partners regarding access to the European market, especially with those countries that share the EU’s economic, social, and environmental values.

“We must build stable supply chains and strengthen them in a global context characterized by structural imbalances and practices that can distort international competition,” Unesid concluded.

As reported by GMK Center, Unesid called on the EU to prioritize European-produced steel. The organization expressed concern that steel could be excluded from the list of goods given priority in public procurement and strategic programs. Without a real priority for steel produced in the EU, investment could slow down and employment in the sector could decline.