Belgium steel distributor and trader federation, Belmetal, has voiced its concerns over the country’s particular vulnerability to the new EU trade measures.
Belgium is particularly exposed because of its role as a maritime gateway and distribution hub for steel products, the federation says in a commentary statement on the EU measures. It notes that similar challenges are likely to impact other European markets with major steel-importing ports, including the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and Poland.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is one of Europe’s principal entry points for steel, while North Sea Port Ghent also plays an important role in international steel trade. Together, these logistics hubs handle substantial volumes that are subsequently distributed across Belgium and neighbouring countries.
As a result, Belgian distributors are often among the first to experience the practical consequences of changes to import quotas, whether in terms of product availability, sourcing options, lead times or pricing. Belmetal finds that the system is considerably more complex than the previous safeguard regime, as several quota categories now coexist depending on origin and trade status.
“Our concern is about supply predictability,” Belmetal director Chetan Corten tells Kallanish. This includes planning certainty and availability of specialised steel grades that are not always produced within the EU. “As a consequence, distributors and their customers may need to plan purchases further in advance, diversify supply chains where possible and carry higher inventories in order to mitigate supply risks.”
Corten underlines that “the revised safeguards are of strategic importance to our members because they directly affect the competitiveness of Belgian steel distributors”.
Author: Christian Koehl
