Steel summit in Bremen: Federal government under pressure for industrial protection!

Steel summit in Bremen: Federal government under pressure for industrial protection!

On November 6, 2025, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) will host a steel summit that is of great importance for the future of the German steel industry. The summit aims to secure Germany as a steel manufacturing location at a time when the industry is under significant pressure. Bremen, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony and Saarland have formulated clear demands on the federal government in this context. Bremen's mayor Andreas Bovenschulte (SPD) is on site and emphasizes how important it is to protect German steel producers from dumping imports. He is also urging the federal government in Brussels to campaign for this protection in order to ensure the competitiveness of the domestic industry.

Lower Saxony's Prime Minister Olaf Lies is optimistic, but warns against a “chair circle” that only results in discussions without any significant decisions. The topics that will be discussed at the summit are essential: industrial electricity prices, CO2 cost exemptions and import tariffs are up for debate. If action is not taken quickly, he sees jobs, especially at ArcelorMittal's Bremen steelworks, at risk. Around 3,600 people find employment there - a significant number that underlines the importance of the steel industry for the region.

The role of the steel industry

The steel industry is a central pillar of heavy industry and is responsible for the production and distribution of various steel products. From hot strip and forgings to wire and tubes – the industry offers a wide range of primary products that are used in numerous areas. Despite the challenges of recent years, particularly the Ukraine conflict and the associated raw material shortages, the steel industry remains one of the most dynamic industries in the world. The global conditions have also had a strong influence on German producers.

2023 saw a significant low for many steel manufacturers: the energy crisis caused the cost of raw materials and the cost of living to skyrocket, which in turn weighed on consumption. China remains by far the leading steel producer, while companies such as ArcelorMittal, headquartered in Luxembourg, lead the European competition but are also looking for solutions to decarbonize the sector.

Challenges for the future

The steel industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, reducing emissions and shifting to more sustainable practices is more urgent than ever. One promising approach is the increased use of recycled steel scrap, which not only helps minimize emissions but could also reduce the problems of raw material shortages. According to recent reports, nearly 255.2 million tons of steel scrap were used in 2023, with China consuming a significant share.

In summary, the upcoming steel summit will provide an opportunity to reset the course for the German steel industry. It remains to be seen whether decision-makers will be able to find sustainable and promising solutions. The jobs, innovations and ultimately the competitiveness of the industry are at stake. Clear and actionable results are therefore urgently needed to lead this traditional industry into the future.