France and other European nations plan to push for protective measures against Chinese steel imports, following job cuts at ArcelorMittal’s French sites. The steel giant announced plans to eliminate 600 positions due to the ongoing crisis in Europe’s steel industry, which faces challenges from high energy costs, cheap Chinese imports, and U.S. tariffs.
French government spokesperson Sophie Primas stated that existing steel import quotas are insufficient and that stronger action is needed. European steelmakers argue that China’s overproduction is harming their competitiveness. The announcement follows similar cuts by Tata Steel in the Netherlands, raising concerns over government-backed decarbonisation efforts in the industry.
