News » European Commission decision on SSCR major step forward in countering severe trade distortions
European Commission decision on SSCR major step forward in countering severe trade distortions
Recent updates
Brussels, 16 March 2022 – EUROFER welcomes the publication of the European Commission implementing regulation imposing definitive anti-subsidy measures on imports of stainless steel cold-rolled flat products (SSCR) originating in India and Indonesia. These measures are an important step forward in implementing the EU policy objectives for fair and free trade.
“The European Commission’s decision is a landmark achievement, as it ensures a level playing field for the EU stainless industry, and it is also fundamental in implementing the EU commitments towards sustainable and balanced trade”, said Axel Eggert, Director General of the European Steel Association (EUROFER).
The proceeding was initiated on 17 February 2021, following a complaint submitted by EUROFER. Its conclusions come after significative efforts by both the industry and the Commission to address major raw materials distortions in stainless steel resulting from state interventions in Eastern Asian countries.
These behaviours have granted undue competitive advantages to exporting producers on the EU market and created massive non-market overcapacities. At the same time, it should also be highlighted that the Sino-Indonesian capacities - 100% export-oriented - are relying on production processes which result in CO2 emissions that are around four times higher than Europe’s low carbon stainless steel production.
The Commission’s measures also consolidate the new course of the EU trade action in addressing China’s behaviour by tackling the support it grants to domestic companies along the Belt and Road Initiative. The Indonesian stainless steel industry is a prime example of the export of Chinese capacities to other countries: Indonesia went from zero stainless steel production in 2017 to the second worldwide capacities in 2022. Similar extensions of capacities have also occurred in India.
“Given the linkages between Indian and Indonesian exporting companies, it is essential that the European Commission remains vigilant with regard to any attempts to circumvent or absorb these measures", concluded Mr Eggert.
Brussels, 16 March 2023 – A successful EU industrial policy requires a value chain-based approach, with steel as an integral part of the Net-Zero Industry Act. To ensure that the EU remains competitive in the greatest transformation of the industry towards climate-neutrality, it is essential to adopt disruptive thinking and innovative measures to create a more attractive green investment environment whilst securing the EU’s strategic autonomy. The European Steel Association (EUROFER) details its comprehensive vision in a new policy paper covering all industrial policy fields relevant for a green, decarbonised and prospering European manufacturing industry, including energy and climate, environment and circularity, investment, trade, internal market and skills.
New global reality requires disruptive thinking and innovative measures
Brussels, 14 March 2023 – The revision of the Electricity Market Design (EMD) risks becoming another missed opportunity to secure cost-competitive fossil-free electricity and to introduce solutions providing swift relief to energy-intensive sectors exposed to global competition. It remains unclear how industrial energy consumers will be able to access the large quantities of renewable and low-carbon electricity needed for their decarbonisation in the coming years, says the European Steel Association following the publication of the European Commission’s reform proposal on the EMD.