Thyssenkrupp Steel withdraws from WV Stahl, Thyssenkrupp AG has yet to make a decision
As a result of a major shake-up for the German steel sector, Thyssenkrupp Steel, the country's largest steel producer, has officially terminated its membership in the German Federation of Steel Manufacturers Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl (WV Stahl), effective December 31, 2026, according to a report by the German newspaper The Pioneer.
The withdrawal reflects not only financial difficulties, but also a strategic realignment as the company seeks to make more efficient use of staff and financial resources during the ongoing restructuring.
The sources said they did not believe that the company's departure during negotiations with Indian investor Jindal was a coincidence. As previously reported by SteelOrbis, Thyssenkrupp AG is in talks with Jindal Steel International regarding the potential sale of its steel business to Thyssenkrupp Steel.
The move comes at a time when Germany's steel industry is facing increasing economic pressures due to rising energy prices, foreign competition, and uncertainty about government support. The loss of Thyssenkrupp's largest member was a serious blow to WV Stahl's reputation as a unified political leader in the industry.
Thyssenkrupp's decision highlights the growing divisions in Germany's struggling steel industry. Tekin Nasikkol, Chairman of ThyssenKrupp Steel's General Production Council, described the current situation as "catastrophic."
According to Thyssenkrupp, this decision "does not mean abandoning industry-wide cooperation," and the company continues to support WV Stahl's positions in trade protection, energy pricing and the development of environmentally friendly steel. In addition, Thyssenkrupp AG, the parent company, is considering following the example of its subsidiary steel company and also leaving the association.
Steelorbis.com