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European Steel in Figures 2020
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European Steel in Figures 2020 is the European Steel Association’s (EUROFER) statistical guide. It shows a sector that has experienced a challenging year in 2019, with employment levels stable but demand beginning to fall off. In 2019, imports fell from the record rise seen in 2018 - in line with falling demand. The decline in production and demand will have an impact on future employment figures, as will the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Total employment – jobs directly or indirectly, or induced by the sector – now stands at 2.6 million. Total Gross Value Added is €140 billion.
This new European Steel in Figures 2020 guide updates the trade map, showing imports and exports from the EU in an easy-to-understand way, breaking down previously hard to read figures. Additionally, the sustainability section of the guide has been doubled in size and updated with the latest data, now including refreshed information on slag production by the steel industry and its use by other downstream sectors.
All these statistics help give an overview of the European steel industry today. Awareness of the employment, production, demand and trade challenges that face the sector ensure a greater understanding of our strategically important sector. With this in mind, I hope you enjoy using European Steel in Figures 2020.
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Brussels, 24 February 2026 - Europe’s energy-intensive industries have set out a series of proposals to ensure that the EU’s upcoming Electrification Action Plan delivers on its objectives to stimulate and boost electricity consumption in industry. In a joint position paper, industries warn that persistently high electricity prices risk undermining industrial competitiveness and decarbonisation efforts. They call for a policy framework that will enable EU industry in pursuing decarbonisation and industrial competitiveness.
Energy-intensive industries (EIIs) provide direct employment to around 2.6 million people in the EU and represent the foundations of critical and strategic value chains for the EU economy and society. The current economic and energy outlook of the European Union is making investments in electrification and the continued business operation of our sectors at serious risk, should the energy-cost challenge not be solved.
Brussels, 20 February 2026 – EU steel exports to the United States fell by 30% in the second half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, after the imposition of 50% tariffs according to new Eurostat data. The expansion of the U.S. tariff regime to include downstream steel-intensive products, such as machinery and equipment, is expected to amplify its impact on both EU steel producers and their customers. The European Steel Association (EUROFER) said the figures underscore the need for any EU-US trade agreement to be fair, balanced and enforceable.
The European Steel Association (EUROFER)
172 Avenue de Cortenbergh
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Email: mail@eurofer.eu
Phone: +32 (0) 2 738 79 20
