Active participation and clear call to action at the Iberia Steel Network Forum in Santander
On April 27-28, 2026, the Iberia Steel Net Forum brought together about 200 leaders of the steel industry in Santander, confirming the growing importance of this joint initiative organized by UAHE and EUROMETAL.
The event brought together a wide range of participants in the value chain, including manufacturers, distributors, traders and processors, for two days of high-level discussions on key issues shaping the development of the industry in Europe and beyond.
In his closing remarks, Manuel Nobre, President of Açomefer, highlighted the continued growth of the Steel Net forum, which is a clear reflection of the need for closer cooperation across the industry. He stressed that such initiatives are necessary to establish dialogue, exchange views and collectively solve problems related to the growing complexity of the steel market.
Throughout the forum, participants participated in a rich and varied program that provided a comprehensive overview of the current market dynamics. While the discussions provided valuable insights, they also confirmed the high level of concern across the sector caused by rapid economic, regulatory, and geopolitical changes.
The key highlight of the event was EUROMETAL's ongoing call to action, which continues to gain momentum across Europe. Participants were invited to actively support and promote this initiative, reflecting the urgent need to protect the entire European steel value chain.
The discussion also focused on the further implementation of CBAM and new protective measures. These tools pose major challenges for the industry, requiring companies to remain vigilant, adaptable, and increasingly flexible in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.
More broadly, the forum participants discussed the prospects for the European economy, focusing on the importance of increasing industrial competitiveness through initiatives such as "Made in Europe" and future investments in infrastructure, energy, defense, and the automotive sector.
The participants also benefited from the keynote address by Juan Rodriguez Garat, who provided a compelling analysis of the current geopolitical landscape. His point of view highlighted the growing unpredictability of world events and the growing polarization shaping international trade and industrial policy.
The presented market data provided a better understanding of global and Iberian steel production trends, in particular import dynamics and the impact of CBAM. The main problem remains the growing share of steel-containing products entering the European market, which causes