EUROMETAL warned that due to gaps in legislation, European steel producers are at a competitive disadvantage compared to suppliers from non-EU countries. While imported steel is subject to trade measures and carbon-related costs, finished products manufactured outside the EU do not necessarily face similar obligations when imported into the bloc.
The Association will bring this issue to the attention of EU policy makers in Brussels on September 7 as part of its European project "Convoy for Industrial Competitiveness", calling for the creation of equal conditions for the entire production value chain.
,According to EUROMETAL, the imbalance is due to a different approach to the import of steel and finished steel products manufactured outside the EU. Steel entering the European market is subject to quotas, trade measures and carbon costs under the Carbon Boundary Regulation Mechanism (CBAM), while finished products from third countries can be imported into the EU without meeting equivalent trade and carbon-related requirements. ,
,As a result, a European steel-based manufacturer may face higher regulatory and decarbonization costs than a non-EU competitor exporting finished products to the European market. EUROMETAL argues that this imbalance weakens the competitiveness of European production and may encourage companies to shift production outside the EU.
The Association warned that if the trend continues, it could lead to the closure of factories and further relocation of production, which would affect employment, investment, industrial know-how, value creation and other factors. The demand for European steel. The gradual destruction of Europe's manufacturing base could also undermine the strategic industrial potential needed for infrastructure, defense, and the transition to a green economy. Thus, ,
,EUROMETAL calls for the creation of a level playing field for the entire production value chain, arguing that European Industrial Policy should prevent regulatory requirements for steel production and domestic production from becoming a competitive advantage for finished products imported from third countries. ,
,The Association will send this message to Brussels on September 7, when companies, employees, business associations and other industry representatives from across Europe will participate in the European Convoy for Industrial Competitiveness.
