Liberty Steel's plants in Dudelange and Liege are likely to be permanently shut down, and more than two years after shutting down operations, there won't be a single buyer. Informed sources tell Kallanish that hopes for the revival of enterprises are fading, mainly due to restrictions on the quota system for steel imports into the EU, which continues to scare off potential non-European investors.
In May, the process of selling the Dudelange plant was suspended after, according to rumors, Tosyali's bidder refused to bid for his interest. It is reported that a potential buyer recently visited the Dudelange plant, although, allegedly, the interested party is located outside the EU.
"The main problem is the difficulty of importing hot-rolled coils from outside the EU," one of the sources explains. "The EU quota system prevents any possible acquisition of both Dudelange and Liege. As long as these trade protection measures remain in force, the sites are unlikely to reopen."
A union source adds that the Luxembourg government has begun negotiations with EU authorities in an attempt to find a solution, but no progress has been made. In July, a "work day" event was organized in Luxembourg to help former Dudelange workers find new employment opportunities. "Liege and Dudelange are now in a state of abandonment," the source concludes. "Trees are starting to grow where production used to be located."
Meanwhile, ArcelorMittal Belgium has confirmed the acquisition of part of the former Liberty Steel plant in Liege, in particular one galvanizing line located in Flemal, Wallonia. The purchase offer was accepted by the court-appointed trustees after the assumption of office of the owner of Liberty Galati.
The agreement provides for the complete takeover of production facilities in Flemale, including the Galva 5 hot-dip galvanizing line, CEPI (repair) lines and a water treatment plant. The Galva 5 line produces galvanized steel products, mainly for the automotive and construction industries.
ArcelorMittal Belgium plans to restart the galvanizing line in 2026, after about nine months of maintenance and investment work required to bring the equipment into working order.
"The galvanizing line at Flemall will allow us to expand our capabilities to produce high-value-added products for our automotive and construction customers across Europe. We look forward to working with the qualified team at Flemal and restoring the plant to world-class operation," the company said in a statement obtained by Kallanish.
In December
