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US steel tariffs threaten German steel exports, spark EU retaliation

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      US steel tariffs threaten German steel exports, spark EU retaliation

      2025-03-15 16:13 Last Updated At:18:17

      U.S. tariffs on imported steel products are imposing threats on German steel producers' exports to the American market, with the EU claiming retaliatory tariffs on 26 billion euros (about 28 billion U.S. dollars) worth of U.S. goods in response. 

      The European Commission announced the potential countermeasures on Wednesday, in response to the expiration of prior exemptions and the reinstatement of 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports by the U.S.

      According to the European Union Industry Association, around 4 million tons of EU steel were exported to the U.S. in 2023, with a quarter of that originating from Germany. The Benteler electric steel mill in Lingen, northwest Germany, which produces raw pieces of steel from scrap metal, is among the companies feeling the impact.

      "We produce approximately 650,000 tons of steel each year. That means we make over 2,000 tons each day," said Andreas Stadtherr, Lingen Plant Manager, Benteler Steel.

      These steel billets are then transported by train to other Benteler facilities in Germany, where they are transformed into hot-rolled and cold-drawn tubes for various industries across Europe, including automotive, energy, and construction. Some products are even sent to the company's tube plant in Louisiana.

      "Tariffs will of course affect the products that we supply from Europe, i.e., the steel that we supply from Lingen to the U.S.," said Thomas Michels, CEO of Benteler Steel.

      Even before the tariffs were enacted, the German steel industry was grappling with rising energy costs, intensifying competition, and expenses related to decarbonization, all of which were squeezing profit margins. U.S. tariffs risk distorting the market further, as steel that would have been destined for the American market is now being diverted to other regions, including Europe.

      "Many suppliers who currently supply the USA from Asia, from China will look for new markets and will try to supply more products to Europe. I think we should enter into talks with the US to find a good solution for the EU, Germany and the US. The EU must take action and set up certain border zones to prevent dump steel from coming into the EU," said Michels.

      While the European Commission's announcement of counter-tariffs on U.S. goods indicates a firm stance, it also expressed a willingness to negotiate. This position resonates with many German steelmakers, who argue that the tariffs are counterproductive even for the U.S. steel industry.

      "If you consider that the U.S. imports up to 21 million tons of steel, it won't be possible to produce these 21 million tons in the U.S. because the capacity simply doesn't exist," said Michels.

      Some analysts predict that rather than protecting the U.S. steel industry, these tariffs may ultimately increase costs for American consumers.

      US steel tariffs threaten German steel exports, spark EU retaliation

      US steel tariffs threaten German steel exports, spark EU retaliation

      Next Article

      Xiamen-Kinmen Bridge enters new marine construction phase

      2025-03-16 19:05 Last Updated At:19:37

      The Xiamen section of the Xiamen-Kinmen Bridge has entered a new phase of marine intelligent assembly construction, marked by the completion of the first precast pier lifting operation in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province.

      The Xiamen-Kinmen Bridge (Xiamen section) spans 17.34 km, with a total of 85 piers, and is designed to link the Xiamen island with the Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport that is currently under construction.

      The first precast pier lifted measures 18 meters in length, 13.8 meters in width, and 13.4 meters in height, weighing around 3,000 tons. 

      During the lifting process, the construction unit utilized an intelligent positioning system for the extra-large precast pier, upgrading traditional manual operations to a "digital brain on the sea" that automatically corrects deviations, achieving "one-time lifting, precise placement".

      "Through AI, the measured data is transmitted to the computer, and then sent to the control cabinet of our positioning system via the computer's wireless terminal, and then the unmanned operation is carried out to meet the precise positioning of the jack under unmanned operation, which can achieve millimeter-level control. This also reduces the risk of personnel operating on this equipment, which is safe and efficient,"said Deng Yuxin, deputy production manager of Xiamen-Kinmen Bridge’s A2 section at CCCC Second Harbor Engineering Company.

      With a total investment of 37.27 billion yuan (about 5.15 billion U.S. dollars), the Xiamen-Kinmen Bridge (Xiamen section) will become the most efficient connection between the Xiamen island and the Xiang'an Airport. Once completed, it will ease traffic congestion and greatly enhance transport efficiency in the region. 

      The Xiamen-Kinmen Bridge (Xiamen section) started construction in October 2023, and is expected to be completed simultaneously with the Xiang'an Airport Expressway in 2026. 

      Kinmen is an important hub for interaction across the Taiwan Strait. Growing trade and commercial links between Kinmen and Xiamen have made the building of the bridge a common desire of many people in the region.

      Xiamen-Kinmen Bridge enters new marine construction phase

      Xiamen-Kinmen Bridge enters new marine construction phase

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