WV Stahl stated in its communication that the new EU trade protection mechanism, which will enter into force on July 1, along with the initial reductions in energy costs, represent important gains for the sector. However, the association emphasized that these developments are not sufficient and that long-term, reliable industrial policies are needed.
In its 2024/2025 activity report, the organization noted that Germany, with an annual production capacity of approximately 34.1 million tons, remains the largest steel producer in the European Union. The report highlighted that high energy costs, weak industrial demand, and increasing import pressure are placing a significant burden on the sector.
WV Stahl President Gunnar Groebler stated that the steel industry must both achieve a climate-neutral transformation and maintain its global competitiveness, adding: “Without concrete and reliable steps in industrial policy, it is not possible for the transformation process to be sustainable.”
The association’s Managing Director Kerstin Maria Rippel said that 2026 will be a decisive year for the sector, stressing that reducing energy costs, strengthening trade protection measures, and safeguarding industrial production in Europe are of critical importance.
The WV Stahl statement also noted that the period since the 150th anniversary celebration held in November 2024 has been comprehensively covered in the report, and that competitiveness, the transition to climate neutrality, and the preservation of production sites will remain among the most important agenda items in the coming period.
With a 150-year history, Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl emphasized that it is strategically important for the German and European steel industry to maintain its competitiveness and production capacity during the transition to climate neutrality.
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