The party is calling for the EU to implement a “Buy European” strategy and to establish a robust trade protection mechanism against foreign subsidized competitors.
Under the leadership of Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, SPD is expected to approve these proposals next week. Party documents state: “Essentially, there is a need for a tariff-quota system to limit excessive import volumes while keeping the market open but under control.”
SPD’s proposals will contribute to the steel summit convened at Chancellor Merz’s initiative. At the summit, German steel producers, states, and unions will share their recommendations for supporting the sector. It is still unclear to what extent the proposals will be implemented.
Although Germany has historically benefited from low trade barriers and most parties oppose protectionism, SPD and German producers are increasingly concerned due to U.S. and Chinese tariffs and competition. SPD documents note: “We cannot allow local value creation to disappear simply because international rules no longer work.”
The party emphasized that these measures are not about protectionism but about “fair competition rules and safeguarding Europe’s strategic interests.” SPD also called for stricter controls on Russian steel imports and measures to prevent it from entering the European market via Turkey.
Source: Reuters
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