Steel production decreased by up to 50% in the steel sector in Europe due to the pandemic

Decreased steel production reduced to approximately half of capacity. Being unsustainable for several months for steel producers and the supply and distribution chain. The resumption of activity after lifting the restrictions is slower than expected. The data show that, on average, production is below the heaviest month of the financial crisis period since 2008.

The sector needs support measures to maintain direct jobs. Also, of the indirect jobs in the supply chains of raw materials and sales of finished products. The European steel industry expects the European Commission to review the measures imposed on the mandatory investments for environmental protection.

In order to resume production capacities at the normal level, it is necessary that the sectors that consume steel. They must return to the activity before the pandemic. The private sector through one of the largest consumers, namely the automotive industry. And the public sector, through investments in construction, can help the return of the steel industry by increasing consumption. For this purpose, urgent measures are now needed, apart from long-term measures.

Steel production decreased in Europe

The European steel industry is a competitive industry and generates many jobs. Direct and indirect in the supply and distribution chains. Supporting the steel industry through concrete measures will also help restore the European economy being largely based on the health of the steel industry. Metallurgical products, sheets, pipes, rolled profiles, are vital today and in the future, all estimates show that they will continue to be vital throughout this 21st century, so moving production outside the European Union, in less ecological countries would not imply no social and environmental advantage in the calculation of global emissions.

The European steel sector expects urgent and concrete measures from the European Commission as well as the review of safety measures related to the volume of investments in environmental protection.

The European steel industry produces in much more demanding environmental conditions than plants outside the European Union, and has also developed an important capacity for innovation with a commitment to climate neutrality before 2050.

Source: Unesid.org