Assofermet demanded transparency in the Acciaierie d'Italia sale process
The Italian steel merchants Association Assofermet has called on the government to ensure full transparency of the Acciaierie d'Italia (ADI) tender process. The association notes that special attention is now focused on the court hearing on September 9, which will consider the decision of the Milan Court of Appeal to close the hot conversion at the enterprise by October 28. According to Assofermet, the terms of participation in the Italian consortium should be open and accessible to all interested parties. This, as emphasized in the association, is necessary to protect companies that may be affected by the consequences of the transaction, as well as to preserve the prospects for resuming production at the metallurgical plant in Taranto. The Association stated that it would like to participate in the consortium initiative, which was officially presented by Federacciai and 14 metallurgists in August, and expects to receive full information on the progress of the process, taking into account the possible consequences for its members. Assofermet expressed concern about the fate of the ADI hot shop, which is under special management, stressing that the outcome of the current tender will directly affect the entire production chain. The statement also notes that the continuity of the Taranto plant and the preservation of jobs remain priorities. In addition, ADI may once again become a strategic supplier for the association's member companies, especially against the background of the recent tightening of restrictions on steel imports from countries outside the EU. The ADI Special Commissioners have filed a motion for an urgent stay of execution of the Milan Court of Appeal's decision. The upcoming meeting will actually decide the future of the main steel production at the enterprise. Meanwhile, the Italian government continues to financially support the smooth operation of the Taranto plant while the search for a new owner is underway. Negotiations are underway with the international consortium of Jindal Steel and Federacciai.
