Eurofer, European Steel Association (Brussels, Belgium):

Eggert A., General Director, phone: +32 2 738 79 20

The current state in the European iron and steel industry is analyzed. The system of trade of emission quotes in EC countries is observed. The role of steel as material in the closed-looped economics is discussed. The tendencies of international trade are formulated. Europe has long held a leading position in the manufacture and use of high-quality steels, ranging from basic carbon steels through to rust-proof stainless and advanced high-strength steels of the kind used in automobile bodies. Around 170 million t of steel are produced annually in the EU, and the sector employs 330 000 highly skilled people across 24 member states. The steel industry represents a fundamental component of the modern industrial economy. With production sites spread out across 500 locations in Europe, a healthy steel sector is vital to the EU’s stated goal of increasing industry’s share of GDP to 20 % by 2020. The EU must continue to deploy a robust trade policy approach, particularly if it is serious about meeting its aims of ensuring jobs, growth and investment — as well as bringing industry up to a share of 20 % of the economy.