Trump promotes polluting metallurgy

The U.S. is taking steps to boost steel production following the introduction of section 232 import tariffs on steel and aluminum this week - measures that could potentially block about 28 million tonnes of steel imports and boost local steel production to 19.5 million tonnes

This means burning more coal, recycling up to 5 million tonnes of idle coke plant capacity for blast furnaces, and more pollutant emissions when using cheap iron ore.

In short, it will cause more carbon dioxide emissions and more energy consumption, including in the "cleaner" electric arc furnace sector, which accounts for two-thirds of American steel production, thwarting traffic to reduce overcapacity and emissions.

Higher Section 232 steel output therefore has a double effect: higher steel prices in the protected US market and worse air quality.

In contrast, the steel industry in the European Union, where the carbon markets are most developed, is governed by a cost ratio in which the price of carbon is an integral part, with the top 10% of the most efficient emitting producers being eligible for a full free allocation of emission allowances. carbon.