Automobile manufacturers criticize Brussels

The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) has sharply criticized the European Commission's new proposal, which calls for a significant reduction in steel import quotas and a doubling of tariffs outside the quotas to 50 percent. In their opinion, this move could seriously harm the automotive sector, increase costs for manufacturers, and exacerbate inflationary pressures in the Union.

Although car manufacturers purchase around 90 percent of their steel from European producers, they still have to import certain types of steel from abroad for specific components and body types. “We believe that the parameters proposed by the Commission restrict the European market too much,” said ACEA Director General Sigrid de Vries.

The association pointed out that under the current quota system, the types of steel used in the automotive industry are often used up very quickly, which makes production difficult.

There was also criticism of the new EU requirement that importers must provide precise proof of the origin of the steel, i.e., where it was smelted and cast. According to ACEA, this is almost impossible given the complexity of global supply chains.

(reuters, max)