Germany-based steelmaker thyssenkrupp Steel Europe has called on the European Commission to implement stronger measures to protect domestic production of grain-oriented electrical steel from increasing low-priced imports from Asia, according to a report by Reuters.
The company welcomed the EU’s launch of a safeguard investigation into the segment, describing it as a necessary first step.
Safeguard measures seen as insufficient
According to Thyssenkrupp, grain-oriented electrical steel is currently not covered by the EU’s broader safeguard framework, which includes plans to reduce tariff-free import quotas and impose a 50 percent duty on volumes exceeding those quotas. The company stressed that swift and effective action is required to ensure fair competition and protect European industry.
Grain-oriented electrical steel plays a critical role in power grids and energy infrastructure, making it a key material for the energy transition. As demand for electrical steel continues to grow, maintaining domestic production capacity is seen as strategically important for Europe.
Import pressure leads to production cuts
Thyssenkrupp recently extended production cuts at its Isbergues plant in northern France, citing a sharp increase in imports described as a “ruinous flood”, as SteelOrbis reported previously.
The company warned that without additional trade protection, European producers could struggle to remain competitive in this segment.
Competitiveness concerns intensify
The rise in low-priced imports is increasing pressure on domestic producers, raising concerns over job security and the preservation of technological expertise within Europe.
Thyssenkrupp emphasized that stronger trade measures are essential to maintain industrial competitiveness as the EU advances its energy transition goals.
