Speaking at a press conference, EUROMETAL representatives said that the pan-European initiative, supported by more than 300 companies and 35 associations, will be presented to EU member states and the European Commission on April 15. The signatories represent over one million direct jobs across the entire steel value chain.
Growing import pressure and cost inequality affect competitiveness
According to industry representatives, the European steel processing and manufacturing sectors are facing increasing pressure from cheaper imports, especially from Asia, while domestic producers are struggling with significantly higher energy, labor and regulatory costs.
The speakers stressed that the price gap between Europe and third countries has widened to such an extent that productivity gains alone are no longer enough to restore competitiveness. As a result, insolvency rates in the sector are rising by double digits, while industrial activity is shifting outside Europe.
At the same time, imports of steel products to Europe are estimated to increase by
