Steelmakers and related sectors called on the EC to extend new protective measures for steel

European steelmakers, processors, and distributors have called on the European Commission and member states to help preserve the entire steel value chain in Europe, from primary sectors to downstream sectors. This is stated in a joint statement signed by Eurofer, ArcelorMittal, Thyssenkrupp, Malvestiti Group, Trancerie Emiliane, and others.

“The European value chain for steel products and electrical steel is at a critical juncture. Deindustrialization in the production, distribution, and downstream sectors of steel is accelerating to a level that threatens Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability, and strategic autonomy,” the statement said.

The statement notes that global overcapacity and persistent unfair trade practices continue to drive production, investment, and skilled jobs out of Europe, undermining the foundations of the EU’s green and digital transition.

Companies and associations representing the entire steel value chain have supported the European Commission’s initiative on new protective measures. They call for its adoption no later than the second quarter of 2026 to ensure that it enters into force as soon as possible and without changes that would weaken these measures.

The signatories to the statement also believe that the European Commission should publicly commit to decisions on steel derivatives and start working closely with processing industries now to protect strategically important derivatives and steel-based components of electrical steel that are not yet covered by existing measures.

This work should be based on objective and transparent criteria, and the first legislative proposal should be submitted within six months of the entry into force of the new trade measures on steel.

It should be recalled that in October, the EC presented a proposal to protect the EU steel industry from the unfair impact of global overcapacity. It provides for a cap on duty-free imports of 18.3 million tons per year and a doubling of the duty rate on products outside the quota to 50% (compared to 25% under the current safeguard measure).