The European Commission (EC) is preparing to implement protective measures aimed at supporting the steel market in response to increasing imports from China.

This announcement was made by European Industry Vice President Stéphane Séjourné during a press conference at Celsa, a steel manufacturing company located in Castellbisbal, Barcelona.

Séjourné is visiting Catalonia to review recent innovation and sustainability projects within the industrial sector.

The event was opened by Celsa's President Rafael Villaseca, who called for enhanced protective measures for both the steel and metal industries in Europe, citing concerns over subsidized Chinese steel imports that do not meet environmental standards.

Villaseca expressed worry that increased tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese goods could lead to an influx of these products into the European market.

In his remarks, Séjourné indicated that Brussels will unveil a comprehensive strategy for the steel sector in Europe next week.

He outlined three key initiatives currently in development.

Firstly, the EC plans to extend the safeguard clause that enables the European market to protect itself against excessive imports from non-EU countries beyond the year 2026. Additionally, a measure is expected to be introduced to safeguard against products manufactured with non-European steel, and another initiative aims to require that a minimum percentage of steel used in public tenders be produced within Europe.

The Vice President noted that these measures are designed to create demand for European-produced steel.

Furthermore, he highlighted the intention of the EC to facilitate joint procurement of raw materials, suggesting the establishment of a community stockpile to prevent disruptions in supply chains.

With an estimated reliance of 80% to 90% on raw materials from abroad, Séjourné underlined the necessity of ensuring a consistent supply to sustain industrial activities.

Among other initiatives, the EC aims to prevent European-generated scrap metal from being exported to third countries, where it is then recycled into steel and sold back to the European market.

Séjourné’s visit included participation from Jordi Hereu, Minister of Industry, and Miquel Sàmper, Conseller of Business, both emphasizing the European Commission's involvement in major industrial transformation projects in Catalonia, including initiatives in the Tarragona petrochemical hub, such as CO2 storage solutions and hydrogen production efforts led by companies like Repsol, Enagás, and Messer.

Sàmper affirmed that the Generalitat aligns entirely with the EC and the national government, announcing plans to electrify as many processes as possible, referencing an electrical enhancement initiative spearheaded by his department.