The future of European steel production is at stake, says Eurofer
European steelmakers federation Eurofer said poorly implemented climate change policy, soaring raw materials prices and trade protectionism was putting the industry at risk.
Rising raw material and environmental costs could result in steelmaking migrating from the continent, the association warns.
“We have now reached a decisive turning point as to whether steel production has a future in Europe,” said Eurofer director general Gordon Moffat.
This will also affect huge parts of the automotive and machinery sectors, he addsed.
Eurofer has called upon the European Commission to ensure implementation of the EU emissions trading legislation does not increase costs for the most efficient steelmakers.
It has also reiterated concerns about protectionism in third countries, as well as repeated its appeal to EU authorities to investigate the pricing behaviour of the major iron ore suppliers.
