Industry summit invitations extended by Merz to steel sector

In a bid to secure the future of steel production in Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has convened a summit at the Chancellery in Berlin. The decision to hold the summit follows consultations with coalition leaders in Berlin, and it aims to discuss the long-term maintenance of steel production in the face of challenging global market conditions.

The steel industry in Germany has been under pressure due to tariffs imposed by the United States and competitive pricing from China. Over the past year, the US has increased tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, affecting a broad range of products. Starting June 4, 2025, these tariffs will apply to various steel and aluminum products, with the list expanding to include hundreds of additional products such as motorcycles and crane vehicles as of August 18, 2025.

The increased tariffs have taken a toll on the German steel industry, with crude steel production falling by almost 12 percent in the first half of the year to 17.1 million tons. This decline is attributed to tough competition, especially from Asia, high energy prices, and the weakness of the economy.

At the summit, discussions will focus on determining strategies to achieve the goal of maintaining steel production in Germany. Producers and representatives of employees will be involved in these discussions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the industry's challenges.

Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD) and several federal states have already called for an industry meeting to discuss possible aid. The summit is expected to build upon these discussions, providing a platform for all stakeholders to collaborate and devise solutions to secure the future of the German steel industry.

The summit is a significant step towards ensuring the sustainability of Germany's steel industry, which plays a crucial role in the country's economy. By bringing together key players in the industry, the summit aims to foster a collaborative environment that will lead to innovative solutions and a brighter future for steel production in Germany.