ArcelorMittal wants to tighten restrictions on the import of sheet piles from the EU
The volume of sheet pile imports to Europe remains high, but prices remain low, and the European Commission should impose stricter restrictions, according to ArcelorMittal Europe.
According to the group, the EU restrictions do not fully solve the problem faced by European sheet pile manufacturers. "Low-price imported goods imported into the EU, mainly from China, currently pose a real threat to the future of European sheet pile manufacturers," Kallanish said in a statement. The current EU guarantees will be valid until June 30, 2026. "The next tariff instrument will be more stringent and provides for a reduction in quotas[but needs], which will follow in the near future," the report says.
According to company sources, China can supply duty-free 28,000 tons of sheet piling to the EU per quarter. Sheet pile imports from China increased from 17,000 tons in 2020 to 41,000 tons in 2023, mainly to the Benelux countries and Germany.
Thus, China can supply 150% of the quota, paying a 25% duty, and is still competitive in Europe due to the low prices of its products. Sources suggest that
Chinese sheet piles, even after taking into account the payment of duties, are 15-20% cheaper than the average for manufacturers from the EU.
European countries that need dams, ports, and flood protection are the main import targets for sheet piles. According to ArcelorMittal, the Benelux countries combined are the largest market for sheet piles, accounting for 31% of demand in the 27 EU countries. Germany is the second largest market, accounting for 22% of demand in the 27 EU countries.
According to the firm, the most important factor is that European-made sheet piles have the lowest carbon footprint in the industry. "But at present, customers do not have a strong incentive to choose low-carbon sheet piles," the conclusion says, meaning that price remains the main choice factor.
Christian Kel Germany
kallanish.com