PRESS STATEMENT IG Metall Welcomes Agreement on EU Steel Tariffs

“Strict import quotas combined with effective tariffs are the right response to distorted competition. These measures can help secure industrial jobs in Germany and Europe. In this respect, the agreement is good news for tens of thousands of workers—not only in the steel industry itself, but also in downstream value chains.

However, one thing is also clear: trade policy alone is no guarantee for the survival of the European steel industry and the jobs it supports. More is needed: policymakers must strengthen the demand side through growth stimuli and investment incentives. They must ensure internationally competitive energy prices. And they must create green lead markets so that the climate-friendly transformation of industry gains momentum and new jobs are created.

Beyond tariffs, low-emission steel in particular must be supported through local-content regulations—for example, by consistently using steel produced in Europe with low CO₂ emissions in public procurement, infrastructure projects, and industrial transformation. It is now the German federal government’s responsibility to quickly take the necessary steps and send clear signals to the industry.”

Further information and press photos of Jürgen Kerner