The German Steel and Metalworking Association (WSM) has given a clear "yes" to the adoption of European local content rules, arguing that such policies are vital for fair competition, sustainable value creation and industrial sustainability in the EU.
WSM leaders stressed that support for local content is rooted not in protectionism but in realism - a response to the international trade barriers faced by European countries companies.
Local content is seen as a tool for fairness and sustainability
WSM's core argument is that local content rules, aligned with wider Buy European principles, can help secure industrial production, jobs and tax revenues in Europe, counteracting the adverse effects resulting from heavily subsidized imports from non-EU countries. Christian Witmaier, CEO of WSM, said such rules “bring fairness back” to the European economy.
Not seen as a retreat from global trade
Despite its support for local content, the WSM stressed that this position should not be interpreted as a retreat from global trade. Rather, the association describes it as a strategic measure to address market distortions and maintain Europe's innovation capacity and value chains while ensuring global competitiveness.
Local content advocates argue that with properly designed and coordinated policies at EU level, Europe can retain industrial know-how and attract investment by balancing open markets
