Lower thirds:

00:56 Stéphane Séjourné, EU Industry Commissioner
01:54 Stéphane Séjourné, EU Industry Commissioner

Script:
   
The European Commission’s plan to raise tariffs on cheap steel imports from countries like China — is being welcomed by major producers such as ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe.

Two key measures are at the center of the proposal:

00:16
+++ Grafik Rein +++
Currently, up to 30.5 million tons of steel can be imported into the EU each year without paying any tariffs. Anything above that amount is subject to a 25 percent duty.

In the future, only 18.3 million tons of steel per year would be allowed in tariff-free.

Imports beyond that limit would face a 50 percent tariff.
+++ Grafik Ende +++

00:42
High energy costs and cheap steel imports have forced many blast furnaces across Europe to shut down. Last year alone, 18,000 jobs were lost in the sector.

00:54
+++ SOT Stéphane Séjourné, EU Industry Commissioner +++
"It’s very easy to shut down factories and dismantle Europe’s steel production apparatus. But it’s very difficult to rebuild it. Member States have told us we need to safeguard these factories and ensure Europe’s sovereignty over steel—because without steel, there is no automotive industry, and no defense industry."

01:18
The German Engineering Federation VDMA, which represents some of the industry’s main steel buyers, has warned that the new tariffs could push their prices higher.
 
Carmakers currently spend up to 900 euros per vehicle on steel. According to the European Commission, that figure could rise by about 50 euros.
 
Several industry associations — including the VDMA and the German Steel Federation — are calling for lower energy prices, a measure that would benefit all industrial sectors.
   
And the EU Commission seems to be listening.

01:52
+++ SOT Stéphane Séjourné, EU Industry Commissioner +++
"We must produce our own electricity. We must build the necessary infrastructure, including cross-border power networks. And we must look to the future — with cheaper energy and an industry that can once again be competitive in the long term."

02:08
The new tariff rules are not yet in force. For them to take effect, both the European Parliament and the EU Member States must first give their approval.

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