Chancellor Merz says move will protect European producers from unfair competition, especially from China…
Germany has thrown its weight behind the European Union’s proposal to raise tariffs on foreign steel imports, in a bid to shield European manufacturers from a flood of low-cost supplies particularly from China.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed the position on Thursday after holding talks with key stakeholders in the German steel industry in Berlin.
“These proposals are a step in the right direction,” Merz said. “I will support them to the best of my ability and hope that appropriate regulations will be put in place.”
The chancellor’s remarks come as European steelmakers warn of growing market distortions caused by subsidized production in Asia, which they argue threatens jobs and investment across the continent.
The European Commission has recently discussed tougher trade defense mechanisms, including higher import duties, to level the playing field and discourage dumping practices that undercut EU-based producers.
Germany, home to major steel firms such as Thyssenkrupp and Salzgitter AG has long been a vocal advocate for fair-trade measures that balance environmental standards with industrial competitiveness.
Industry analysts say Berlin’s backing could be decisive in advancing the EU’s tariff reform plans through the bloc’s decision-making process in Brussels.
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