ThyssenKrupp Pleads for EU Border Shield

ThyssenKrupp, a leading German steel producer, is calling for EU border controls to mitigate the uncontrolled influx of cheap Asian steel.
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Synopsis:
ThyssenKrupp, a leading German steel producer, is calling for EU border controls to mitigate the uncontrolled influx of cheap Asian steel. The company's concerns come amid rising raw material and energy costs, and a weakened market in Germany and Europe.

Article:
ThyssenKrupp, the German steel behemoth, is grappling with a multitude of challenges, including rising energy and raw material costs as well as sluggish economic conditions in Germany and other European markets. Compounding these issues is the unchecked influx of cheap steel imports from China and other Asian countries.

Sigmar Gabriel, chairman of ThyssenKrupp Steel's European supervisory board, recently voiced concerns about the Asian steel manufacturers gaining unfettered access to European markets. One point of contention is that these Asian companies are not subject to the same costs related to CO₂ emissions as their European counterparts.

Given these challenges, Gabriel has called for urgent action from European authorities. He insists that if appropriate measures are not taken at EU borders, the future of the European steel industry could be at risk. The chairman suggests that such measures could involve additional tariffs or regulations aimed at leveling the playing field for European steel producers.

As the situation remains dire, discussions are underway regarding the sale of half of ThyssenKrupp's steel unit to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky. This suggests that despite the tough market conditions, ThyssenKrupp is looking for strategic partnerships to weather the current economic storm.

The call for border controls is reflective of the broader tensions between globalization and national interests, a conundrum that many industries are currently facing. At its core, this issue represents a balancing act between fostering international trade and protecting domestic industries.

What is clear is that the situation requires a multi-faceted approach. Regulatory bodies must consider both the short-term survival and long-term sustainability of European steelmakers like ThyssenKrupp. Only with a balanced approach can an industry, which is foundational to European manufacturing, be saved from potential collapse.

Conclusion:
ThyssenKrupp's call for EU intervention in controlling cheap steel imports reflects the dire situation faced by the steel industry in Europe. If left unaddressed, the consequences could be far-reaching, potentially jeopardizing the future of steel manufacturing in the European Union.

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