EUROFER said that request by Vale SA for the European Commission to investigate whether steelmakers colluded in price talks is absurd.

Mr Gordon Moffat director general of EUROFER in an e mail said that “This is an absurd attempt by Vale to divert attention from legitimate concerns expressed by consumers. I’m sure the commission will see it as such.”

Vale said it sent a letter asking regulators to examine whether there was any communications and coordination among European steelmakers in their negotiations.