Romania-based ArcelorMittal Hunedoara will suspend production from 5 September for an indefinite period, parent company ArcelorMittal tells Kallanish.
“This decision, while difficult, reflects the company’s ongoing assessment of the deteriorating market landscape, which continues to be shaped by persistently high electricity costs, limited governmental support, and intensifying competitive pressure from imports,” it says.
“These factors have significantly impacted the site’s ability to remain competitive across domestic, European, and international markets. The order book has seen a sharp decline, with volumes down nearly 60% compared to 2024, further reinforcing the need for this extended pause,” it adds.
In light of these conditions, the company also anticipates prolonging the current economic unemployment measures beyond 30 September, for an indefinite period.
This step is being considered as part of a broader effort to responsibly manage the evolving situation and mitigate the financial impact on employees, the group notes. “ArcelorMittal remains committed to closely monitoring market developments and will reassess its position as conditions evolve,” it adds.
The enterprise is immediately commencing discussions with its social partners.
ArcelorMittal Hunedoara previously suspended production from 14 February until 31 March due to very high electricity prices (see Kallanish passim).
Last December, the plant reduced production due to a lack of orders.
The Romanian firm took similar measures in 2022, also due to a lack of orders. In 2020, it also stopped production temporarily due to the Covid pandemic.
Electric arc furnace-based Hunedoara, part of the ArcelorMittal Europe – Long Products division, produces sections, billet and merchant bar, employing 584 people and some contractors. The firm produces 200,000-300,000 tonnes/year of crude steel.
Hunedoara remained part of ArcelorMittal after the steelmaking group sold its flagship Romanian Galati steelworks to Liberty Steel in 2019.
Svetoslav Abrossimov Bulgaria
