Assofermet expresses disappointment with the recently published European Steel and Metals Action Plan, stating that while it acknowledges the importance of the steel and metals industries, it lacks concrete measures to revitalize EU metallurgy.
The association highlights that the EU has lost nearly 10% of its steel production over the past decade, despite various protective measures such as import safeguards, anti-dumping duties, and anti-subsidy tariffs. These actions have failed to deliver the expected results, and the plan remains overly focused on production without addressing demand stimulation.
Assofermet warns that without measures to boost steel and aluminum consumption, EU manufacturing will continue to struggle, leading to a further decline in domestic production. This could jeopardize EU goals on decarbonization, green steel, and sustainability labeling.
Additionally, the ongoing trade war on tariffs, triggered by U.S. protectionist policies, will severely impact EU exports of steel, aluminum, and manufactured goods. This is expected to result in stricter EU trade defense measures, potentially harming the European economy.
Assofermet also criticizes the plan’s insufficient measures to reduce energy costs, stating that more decisive actions are needed. The association urges the European Commission to revise and strengthen the plan, incorporating concrete actions to stimulate domestic demand, as failure to do so would mean missing yet another opportunity to drive economic growth.
Assofermet, a sectoral association within Confcommercio – Imprese per l’Italia and an active member of EUROMETAL, represents around 450 companies in steel, scrap, metals, and hardware distribution, providing essential support on regulatory and market-related issues.
Comunicato Stampa Assofermet – 19.03.2025
