Merz Calls for 'Steel Summit' as Industry Faces Crisis
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has called for a 'Steel Summit' this autumn to tackle the challenges facing Germany's steel industry. Labor Minister Barbara Bas (SPD) emphasizes the sector's importance to the nation's industrial base and security.
The steel industry is grappling with a crisis in downstream industries, notably the automotive sector, and soaring energy prices. The SPD's strategy, 'Strengthen location, drive transformation, secure jobs', aims to support the industry's transition to climate-neutral production while safeguarding employment.
The SPD wants to secure jobs by preferentially using German and European steel in public contracts. They are pushing for lower energy prices and robust trade protection against unfair practices, particularly from low-cost imports, especially from China. High tariffs on steel imports to the USA are also causing issues for the German industry.
SPD chairmen Lars Klingbeil and Barbara Bas are advocating for a 'Buy European' approach to counter foreign dumping competition. The transition to greener steel production is adding to the industry's costs, further complicating the situation.
The upcoming Steel Summit, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will bring together stakeholders to address these pressing issues. The SPD's strategy, backed by Labor Minister Barbara Bas, seeks to strengthen the industry's competitiveness, drive sustainable transformation, and secure jobs in the face of mounting challenges.
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