In 2025, the steel industry will become the central focus of political agendas in European countries. Governments are striving to address the challenges arising from reduced production and job losses.
European countries are obliged to find effective solutions for transitioning this industry toward low-carbon production. Failure in this regard could weaken the manufacturing sector and lead to political instability.
The market has experienced a significant slowdown in recent months, with the European steel sector facing reduced business activities and a decline in prices.
Thyssenkrupp in an interview with S&P Global Commodity Insights Stated: “The European steel industry has never faced such challenges before, being pressured by decarbonization costs and the severe consequences of overproduction, particularly from China, which has led to an influx of low-cost, heavily subsidized imports with high CO2 emissions.”
Since the financial crisis, steel production in Europe has decreased significantly, by almost one-third, and employment has dropped by 25%.
Demand has not yet returned to pre-COVID-19 levels, and due to rising energy costs and imports, steelmakers’ profit margins have decreased, jeopardizing their survival and ability to reinvest.
EUROFER It has emphasized that steel production in the European Union has significantly declined since 2018, reaching 126 million tons in 2023. Imports now account for 27% of the EU market, further weakening domestic production, while… The use of capacity has decreased to 60%.
Adolfo Aillo, Deputy Director General of EUROFER in the Climate and Energy sector, stated that the challenge has now shifted from securing funding for the transition to low-carbon production to managing projects under conditions of high energy costs and the inefficiency of business measures.
He added: “The conditions in which many low-carbon projects were designed have dramatically changed due to geopolitical tensions, the continuous increase in excess capacity, and the sharp rise in energy prices, creating a challenging environment.”
Recently, announcements from European steelmakers indicate that, due to difficult market conditions, investment in low-carbon steel projects has been delayed. Economic slowdown, particularly in the automotive and construction sectors, has reduced demand for decarbonized steel products.
In total, about 60 low-carbon steel projects are underway in the European Union, but their growth largely depends on access to affordable renewable energy for electric arc furnaces and green hydrogen production.
Companies such as Stegra, Hydnum, and Blastr Green Steel AS. They have plans to build new DRI-EAF steel plants in Sweden, Spain, and Finland. Nordic-based plants have the advantage due to their proximity to DR-grade iron ore extraction operations, green hydrogen production, and the start of production at relatively smaller tonnages.
For companies that are already established and shifting their direction, the production process is more complex, as they must contend with an unfavorable market while focusing on reduced production, job losses, and low margins.
ArcelorMittal, the largest steelmaker in Europe, has postponed final investment decisions for its DRI-EAF projects in several countries and its 2030 carbon reduction goals.
A spokesperson from ArcelorMittal. He said: “We need an effective carbon border adjustment mechanism and stronger trade defense measures to strengthen our trade case. We are awaiting the details of the European Commission’s steel and metals action plan, as these multi-billion-dollar investments will shape our future.”
Thyssenkrupp has once again reaffirmed its commitment to green transformation and carbon-neutral steel production, but emphasized that investment decisions are subject to economic conditions.
Thyssenkrupp He stated: “The economic and political conditions that must be considered are not related to the ongoing operation of Blast Furnaces 1 and 2, but rather depend on the second stage of transformation. This depends on the market conditions at that time, our customers’ needs for a lower CO2 product, and the financial conditions for the next technological step to replace blast furnace technology.”
What is clear is that our steel production must be carbon-neutral by 2045 at the latest.
The price of steel rebar in northern European Union.
Hot-rolled sheets in Northern European Union.
European steel market
Steel World Review
