Steel Derivatives issue highlighted at FFDM’s 18th convention in Paris

EUROMETAL had the pleasure of participating in the 18th Convention of the FFDM (Fédération française de la distribution et de la transformation des métaux), held on Thursday, 25 September 2025, in Paris at the Tour MGEN Auditorium.

Under the theme “Tempête géopolitique : garder le cap” (“Geopolitical storm: staying on course”), the convention brought together over 200 participants from across the French metals value chain, including distributors, processors, industry leaders, economists, and policymakers.

During the official keynote address, FFDM President Laurent Noirclerc gave special attention to EUROMETAL’s recent initiative to identify steel derivative products flooding the European market — often bypassing safeguard measures, undermining ecological objectives, and ultimately threatening the integrity of the EU distribution chain. His endorsement reinforces the growing recognition that derivative imports are a critical blind spot in current EU trade and environmental regulations.

The day featured a series of high-level presentations, including insights from:

  • Sylvie Bermann, former French Ambassador to China, the UK, and Russia, on the shifting global order.
  • Arnaud Montebourg, former French Minister of Economy, on reindustrialisation and “Made in France” strategy.
  • Philippe Dessertine, economist, on new paths to growth amid uncertainty.
  • Experts from the French Building Federation (FFB) and Allianz Trade provided outlooks on construction and global risk.

The event concluded with a networking cruise along the Seine aboard the Paquebot des Yachts de Paris, fostering further exchange between participants.

EUROMETAL met French distributors in Lyon

EUROMETAL was present at the FFDM 2024 Convention in the French city of Lyon.

The two-day event began with company visits to EDF Bugey Nuclear Power Plant, specialist copper conductor manufacturer  Gindre Duchavany and ArcelorMittal Industeel Châteauneuf specialized in the production of hot rolled as well as forged steel plate.

The XVII Convention was held at the Musée des Confluences, a stunning contemporary museum known for its remarkable architecture, located at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône rivers.

On Friday, we were welcomed by Pierre Olivier, Mayor of the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon. The day’s program took place under the theme: “The Future is already here!”.

In the era of innovation, where every year gives rise to revolutions, the FFDM has drawn attention to current themes such as artificial intelligence, energy and the environment.

We were able to attend presentations on the conditions for a recovery in the building industry, the possible economic winter after the Olympic summer, health and environmental risks linked to mining sectors, how to welcome an iA collaborator into your teams and how to strengthen collective performance!