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Economic and market outlook 2018-2019, fourth quarter
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The EU steel market remained on a relatively fast growth track in the second quarter, supported by healthy economic fundamentals and the good operating performance of steel-using sectors. Nonetheless, imports continued to grow much faster than the domestic deliveries of EU mills.
Steel demand growth levelling out in the EU and in other regions over the coming quarters, against the backdrop of persisting excess capacities in the global steel sector and proliferation of steel trade actions worldwide, is reason for concern.
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Brussels, 11 July 2025 – The delay and ongoing uncertainty about a deal on tariffs between the EU and the U.S. further worsens the crisis for the European steel industry. U.S. steel tariffs at 50% are adding fuel to an already explosive situation, putting the sector at risk of losing all its exports to the U.S. and facing a surge of deflected trade flows redirected from the U.S. to the EU market. The lack of bold and timely implementation of the Steel and Metals Action Plan is further accelerating the sector’s deterioration, says the European Steel Association.
Brussels, 02 July 2025 – The 90% climate target proposed today by the European Commission demands an unprecedented transformation of EU society and industry in just 15 years. The European steel industry is already doing its part, but a viable business case for the transition is still lacking. To enable it, the EU needs to implement the Steel and Metals Action Plan much more decisively, delivering a highly effective trade protection against global overcapacity, access to internationally competitive low carbon energy and scrap, and a watertight CBAM, says the European Steel Association.
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