The Italian Association of ferrous and non ferrous scrap recovery facilities (Assofermet) stated that the European Steel and Metals Action Plan used by the European Commission has not met the expectations of the industry and that while it appreciates the European Union's attention to the priorities of building the steel and metals unit, the plan does not include concrete steps to re-strengthen Europe's metals industry.
Assofermet emphasized in the statement that “Over the last decade, the EU has lost around 10% of its steel production from worldwide overproduction capacity. This shows that the “protectionist” policies implemented by the European Commission (such as Steel Import Protection, Anti-Dumping Duties, Anti-Subsidy Duties and Crude Aluminum Import Duties) have not yielded the expected results. There is no plan to address the demand for one or measure domestic supply. This is hampering the EU's steel production and the revival of the metal sector.”
Further declines in EU steel production and negative effects on Europe's green steel, employment and growth policies seem inevitable, Assofermet stated, adding “In addition, customs wars triggered by US protectionist policies will accelerate the EU's steel, aluminum and other industrial processes."
Referring to energy expenditures, Assofermet emphasized that the current plan includes concrete steps to reduce energy prices in Europe and that further measures should be taken in this regard.
Lastly, Assofermet called on the EU Commission to quickly review the Action Plan and put together concrete pieces to boost domestic demand. Otherwise, it was pointed out, the European steel industry will have less chance of emerging from the economic crisis.
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