Could EU Steel Be Left Out of the “Made in Europe” Push?

Source: Kapitales Research

Highlights:

• EUROFER urges the inclusion of steel in the EU's Made in Europe Act, arguing that current definitions could disadvantage EU steelmakers.
• The steel sector seeks broader recognition of local production, advocating for the inclusion of non-EU countries like Britain and Norway due to interconnected supply chains.
• The push aligns with ongoing EU efforts to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the steel industry amid rising global competition and energy costs.

EUROFER, the main European steel industry body representing steelmakers across the bloc, is urging Brussels to ensure that the European Union’s upcoming Made in Europe Act explicitly includes steel in its definition of “locally‑made” materials. The sector argues that without clear inclusion, new public procurement rules favouring domestic content could disadvantage EU steel producers.

What’s Driving the Steel Sector’s Push?

The Made in Europe Act — part of the EU’s broader industrial strategy aimed at strengthening EU supply chains and reducing dependency on foreign imports — is expected to set criteria for public projects and government contracts that prioritise products made within the bloc. EUROFER says that “local” should not be limited to EU member states but also account for close neighbours like Britain and Norway, given the intricate cross‑border supply chains in the steel industry.

The steel lobby’s appeal reflects broader sector concerns about global competition, high energy costs, and ensuring a level playing field as the EU navigates trade pressures and decarbonisation. Steel is a foundational input for industries such as construction, automotive and renewable energy infrastructure — making its inclusion in any local‑content framework a strategic priority for the sector.

Connection to Broader EU Steel Policy Efforts

This push comes amid ongoing policy work tied to the EU Steel and Metals Action Plan, unveiled by the European Commission in March 2025. That plan outlines a suite of measures intended to reinforce the competitiveness and sustainability of the European steel industry by addressing global overcapacity, energy costs, and climate‑related challenges.

Industry groups and unions have been advocating for durable protections, incentives for green steel production and stronger trade safeguards as temporary measures approach expiration in mid‑2026. The Made in Europe rules could become another tool that influences how steel is purchased for public projects across the union — especially if the definition of “EU‑made” remains too narrow.

Political and Trade Implications

The debate over the Made in Europe Act also underscores emerging tensions between bolstering internal EU industry and maintaining open trade relationships with neighboring partners. While EU policymakers have yet to finalise the act’s details, steel producers are mobilizing early to secure a position that supports industrial resilience and long‑term viability in an increasingly competitive global market.

Note- All data presented is based on information available at the time of writing.

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