On 7 May, I was at the German Bundestag because of CBAM and steel tariffs. Not for the first time on this issue – but for the first time with this level of clear reaction.
The Members of the Bundestag I spoke with were appalled. Not politely concerned. Appalled.
Because what they heard had not yet reached Berlin with this level of clarity: how CBAM and steel tariffs affect the metal-processing industry at the same time. How the Commission consistently fails to mention this interaction in its proposals. And what this means for 99.8% of all companies in the EU.
The assessment of the MPs was clear: this cannot continue. And urgent action is needed.
This shows how intransparent the Commission’s work has become. How it omits the interaction of several measures in its draft legislation, and how overreaching and centrally planned its interventions in economic development have now become – not only in Germany, but across the entire Union.
What we are calling for remains unchanged: a full SME test. An independent impact assessment. A moratorium on new tariffs until CBAM functions reliably – or better still, until it is abolished altogether.
Competitiveness does not emerge from isolation. It emerges from reliable framework conditions and open markets.
If you are an entrepreneur, association representative, or politician who wants to be part of an SME-friendly solution – reach out to me now. Join the discussion on LinkedIn.
The time for polite appeals is over.
Thorsten Gerber, CEO Gerber Group, 8 May 2026
We at the Gerber Group have been trading in stainless steel worldwide for over 20 years. We are your experts when it comes to purchasing, import, logistics and services. Information is a vital part of this. Because only then can you and we make the right decisions. Do you have any questions? Contact us now.
Disclaimer: Many things here represent our opinion. Others are information from the Internet. We can therefore never claim to be correct or complete. And never base a business decision solely on the news you receive from us.
