14 May 2025 – If the European steel lobby is to be believed, the EU peace project is on the brink of collapse because domestic steel makers are once again facing an existential threat. Nickel and aluminium prices rose again on Wednesday, with stainless steel and scrap following the trend.
Will steel decide the future of Europe?
If the European steel lobby is to be believed, the EU peace project is on the brink of collapse because domestic steel makers are once again facing an existential threat.
Schuman Declaration should prevent further wars
To this end, EUROFER refers meaningfully to the spirit of the Schuman Declaration, a speech given by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman on 9 May 1950, which is regarded as the cornerstone of today’s European Union. The aim was to avoid another war between Germany and France.
What were the original aims of the Schuman Declaration?
Originally, a high authority was to be created to control steel and coal production in Europe. This authority was to ensure
- that the modernisation of production and the improvement of quality progresses
- the supply of steel and coal to the French and German markets as well as to all participating countries takes place under the same conditions
- the development of joint exports to the other countries is promoted
- and equalise the progress of the living conditions of the workers in these industries
International cartels should be prevented
Schuman’s speech also stated: ‘In contrast to international cartels, which tend to impose restrictive practices on distribution and the exploitation of national markets, and to maintain high profits, the organization will ensure the fusion of markets and the expansion of production.’
Multinationals control EU steel production
It is rather presumptuous of EUROFER to refer to the Schuman Declaration, which was supposed to abolish international cartels and oligopolies. Today, a significant proportion of European steel production is controlled by a few multinational corporations that have lacked any real will to modernise for decades. Instead, they have created an over-protected, almost closed EU market that is tantamount to dividing up and exploiting national markets.
Billions in dividends, but hardly any money for decarbonisation
It is sad that this peace project now has to be used to support renewed demands for further market protection, subsidies and export bans. After all, EUROFER’s demands naturally make no reference to the fact that its members have paid out billions of euros to their shareholders, but in return have only invested a fraction of this in their decarbonisation measures and the modernisation of their plants.
It is also extremely sad that many media outlets are once again spreading such press releases in a one-sided and unquestioning manner, thereby playing into the hands of multinational steel makers. It is particularly alarming that the industry media, which should know better, are distorting reality.
Thorsten Gerber, CEO of the Gerber Group, said on this subject this morning: ‘It’s really disgusting what kind of clamour EUROFER is using here. These people should be ashamed of themselves! However, you first have to have a certain sense of shame to be able to have it. No wonder lobbyists often have a certain reputation when you look at this kind of behaviour.’
Nickel and aluminium prices rise again
Prices for Asian nickel improved by up to 0.8% today. Nickel on the LME was also favourable after the start of trading and was up by around 0.7%. Spot market prices for Chinese nickel even rose by more than 0.9%.
Cold-rolled stainless steel in China rose by around 0.4% and stainless steel scrap by more than 1.0% in some cases.
Aluminium prices continue to rise
Aluminium prices have been enjoying gains since the beginning of May. From 1 to 13 May, they improved by just under 4% on the LME. Today, LME prices are also looking favourable and have already improved by 1.3% shortly after the start of trading and are currently back at more than USD 2,500/mt. On the SHFE, aluminium contracts rose by around 1.4% today.
Latest news
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