The need for reform of the WTO is acknowledged globally.
The general views and positions of the three major economies (EU, U.S.A and China) are known: the U.S.A. fundamentally criticises the functioning and performance of the WTO as being unable to address distortions from state-led economies and policies and now taking strong unilateral action, the EU confirming its fundamental loyalty to the spirit and rules of the WTO while stressing the need to modernize the system by revitalizing the WTO capacity to negotiate new rules, improving transparency and re-establishing the functioning of the dispute settlement system, and China confirming its support for the WTO insisting on a status-quo while blaming the crisis on rising unilateral and protectionist practices by other WTO members.
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Brussels, 11 July 2025 – The delay and ongoing uncertainty about a deal on tariffs between the EU and the U.S. further worsens the crisis for the European steel industry. U.S. steel tariffs at 50% are adding fuel to an already explosive situation, putting the sector at risk of losing all its exports to the U.S. and facing a surge of deflected trade flows redirected from the U.S. to the EU market. The lack of bold and timely implementation of the Steel and Metals Action Plan is further accelerating the sector’s deterioration, says the European Steel Association.
Brussels, 02 July 2025 – The 90% climate target proposed today by the European Commission demands an unprecedented transformation of EU society and industry in just 15 years. The European steel industry is already doing its part, but a viable business case for the transition is still lacking. To enable it, the EU needs to implement the Steel and Metals Action Plan much more decisively, delivering a highly effective trade protection against global overcapacity, access to internationally competitive low carbon energy and scrap, and a watertight CBAM, says the European Steel Association.
How global overcapacity is destroying European industries
The European Steel Association (EUROFER)
172 Avenue de Cortenbergh
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Email: mail@eurofer.eu
Phone: +32 (0) 2 738 79 20
