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Towards an EU Product Policy Framework contributing to the circular economy
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The European steel industry welcomes the development of a coherent product policy framework that supports a circular economy and sustainability, giving full recognition to materials fit for circularity and supporting sustainable outcomes. We are at a critical stage in which EU product policy can be shaped to fully support the development of a more Circular Economy. It is therefore essential to have the right founding principles from the very beginning.
The use of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, when thoroughly peer-reviewed, should be widely supported as a means of quantifying the environmental impacts of products. For instance, a consistent LCA methodology is needed for preparing background studies, which are used to inform policy, such as in Ecodesign and Eco-label. As a voluntary assessment tool, the EC shall however, ensure a level playing field for environmental claims communicated by harmonising methodology.
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Brussels, 05 September 2024 – The latest developments in the steel sector and across critical value chains are worrying signs of a steady deterioration, endangering the survival and the transition of steelmakers and their key manufacturing customers in Europe, such as automotive. A Clean Industrial Deal including swift and radical measures in EU industrial, energy and trade policies, is the last chance to ensure Europe’s prosperity and shield European industry from cheap imports driven by third countries’ unfair trade practices, overcapacity and lower climate ambition, urges the European Steel Association.
Brussels, 25 July 2024 – Major indicators in the European steel market show a steeper-than-expected downward trend, further impacting the outlook for this year and the next. Poor demand conditions, driven by ongoing factors such as high energy prices, persistent inflation, economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, are exacerbated by a manufacturing crisis affecting the largest steel-using sectors, including construction and automotive. According to EUROFER’s latest Economic and Steel Market Outlook, apparent steel consumption is further deteriorating. After a slump (-3.1%) in the first quarter of 2024, its rebound for the full year has been revised downwards (to +1.4% from +3.2%), as well as for 2025 (+4.1% from +5.6%). Similarly, output in steel-using sectors, after a decline in the first quarter (-1.9%), is projected to experience a deeper-than-expected recession (-1.6% from -1%). A recovery is anticipated only in 2025 (+2.3%). Steel imports continue to show historically high shares (27%).
Third quarter 2024 report. Data up to, and including, first quarter 2024