The French government has requested protective measures to reduce the impact of cheap Chinese steel imports on the European steel industry. The government took the steps after steelmaker ArcelorMittal announced it would cut around 600 jobs at seven plants in France.
In a statement to CNews/Europe1, French government spokesperson Sophie Primas emphasized the difficulties in steel production and called for further measures against Chinese steel imports. “We have taken some first steps, in particular to introduce quotas for Chinese steel, but France is a pioneer and we need to do more,” she stated.
European Steel Producers Facing Challenges
European steelmakers are facing dual challenges of increasing energy costs and imports of cheap Chinese steel. In addition, additional tariffs on exports to the US are also affecting their competitiveness.
Primas emphasized that China's overproduction of steel is reducing the competitiveness of the European steel sector and this problem must be solved.
France Reached Investment Deal with ArcelorMittal
On the other hand, the French Ministry of Finance announced that they have reached an agreement with ArcelorMittal for a EUR 1.8 billion investment aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the steel plant in Dunkirk. This agreement is considered an important step in line with the French government's environmental goals.
It is stated that the subsidy package provided by France to ArcelorMittal can be up to EUR 850 million and has been approved by the European Commission. This aid is part of Macron's plan to reduce emissions at the 50 most polluting plants in France.
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