Global steel giant ArcelorMittal has strongly backed the European Commission's proposal to replace current EU protective measures with enhanced tariff quotas on steel imports. The company called the move critical to the survival of Europe's steel industry, which faces growing pressure from cheap imports, declining demand and weak economic conditions.
Commenting on the proposal, CEO Aditya Mittal said he was truly pleased with the proposals that had been announced to support European steel industry. He thanked the European Commission and Member States for understanding the criticality of the situation and taking appropriate and decisive measures. The European steel industry and manufacturing more broadly can have a much stronger future now, and today marks a step in that direction, Mittal added.
Call for rapid implementation
Gert Van Pulvoorde, CEO of ArcelorMittal Europe, echoed these sentiments, noting that the proposal brought a sense of relief to the European steel sector.
“ArcelorMittal and European producers have been heard. “We can breathe a sigh of relief today as the European Commission announced a new, strengthened tariff quota proposal,” said Van Poelvoorde, adding: “We thank the Commissioners for the time and attention they have devoted to understanding the challenges facing our industry.” We will continue to push for rapid implementation of new
