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Economic and market outlook 2018-2019, second quarter
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In 2017 the EU’s steel market performed healthily, supported by a marked improvement in business conditions on both domestic and international markets. Key drivers were investment and exports. While economic fundamentals bode well for further growth in EU steel demand, the increasing threat of protectionism and the potential of retaliatory measures leading to a global trade war is the key risk to an otherwise positive outlook.
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Brussels, 1 October 2026 - The European Steel Association (EUROFER) has elected Geert Van Poelvoorde, Chairman of the Board of ArcelorMittal Europe Steel, as its new President. Taking office today, Mr Van Poelvoorde said stronger home markets across the steel value chain, secure access to export markets and a strong industrial base will be essential to delivering on the European Union’s ambitions for global competitiveness and strategic autonomy.
Brussels, 1 October 2026 - Europe’s steel market remains under significant pressure, with exports falling sharply, production at historic lows and demand expected to remain almost flat in 2026, according to the European Steel Association’s (EUROFER) latest Economic and Steel Market Outlook 2026-2027. EU steel exports to third countries fell by 20% in the first half of 2026, with declines across all major export destinations covered by the report. At the same time, crude steel production continued to falter, after reaching a historic low of 125.8 million tonnes in 2025, while apparent steel consumption is forecast to grow by just 0.1% in 2026, before increasing by 2.3% in 2027.
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The European Steel Association (EUROFER)
172 Avenue de Cortenbergh
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Email: mail@eurofer.eu
Phone: +32 (0) 2 738 79 20
