Seven European countries have asked in a joint letter to the EU for strong and swift measures to stop dumping in the steel sector caused by widespread overcapacity, according to the Italian financial newspaper Il Sole 24Ore. The move comes amid discussions about granting China market economy status.
The report pointed out that Italy, which seeks to sell its loss-incurring steel producer Ilva Group is one of the main supporters of strong action, along with Germany and France, which are also joined by the UK, Belgium, Luxembourg and Poland, in the common belief that EU industry is “at risk of collapse.”
The letter from the seven countries asks for quick action and a probe into the cold rolled steel coming from China and Russia and hot rolled steel from China.
The issue will be addressed during the Conference on Energy Industries to be held in Brussels on February 15, while EUROFER, the European Steel Association, will organize a march of more than 5,000 people, including workers, business leaders and union representatives, in the Belgian capital.