This article is part of a series of materials dedicated to the 75th anniversary conference of the EUROMETAL Steel Manufacturers Association, which will be held on July 2-3. It discusses the challenges and opportunities of the industry in terms of its policies; trade protection; a mechanism for adjusting carbon boundaries; "green steel"; and the growing role of European steel distribution.
Distributors who attended the 75th anniversary conference of the European Steel Distribution Association EUROMETAL last week identified both challenges and opportunities related to the changing regulatory framework of the industry, and many of them believe that distribution will have to adapt its role in the steel supply chain.
Following the example of the United States, countries around the world continue to take protectionist measures for their domestic steel industries, leading many – especially the more import-dependent distributors - to question the sustainability of their position in regional and global supply chains in the new era of isolationism and regionalization of the steel market.
Distributors have certainly suffered from the prevailing uncertainty this year. In what is commonly referred to as a "crisis," the European steel industry has already faced changes in its safeguards and anti-dumping system; tariff sanctions from the United States on both steel exports and markets dependent on them; uncompetitive demand and consumption; and, of course, the approaching final period of emissions control The Carbon Regulation Mechanism (CBAM) and its role in ensuring the decarbonization strategy of the domestic industry.
Therefore, it is not surprising that many in the distribution segment complain about the overlap of these various factors caused by pressure from the upper and lower links of the steel supply chain. However, while the conference participants painted a negative picture of how the European steel industry has reached this point of crisis, many speakers at the EUROMETAL anniversary were optimistic about the recent change in tone of the European political authorities. Representatives of steel producers, in particular, noted that the new politicians are aware of the challenges faced by the steel sector and seek to support not only steel producers, but also distributors who facilitate the processing and delivery of steel to consumers.
Market participants at the event shared information about ongoing consultations on the creation of a leading market for environmentally friendly steel, namely low-carbon and labeled "Made in Europe"; labeling in accordance with the Clean Industry Agreement
