The 92nd IREPAS meeting, held in Athens from April 27 to 29, highlighted intensifying challenges in the global long steel market. IREPAS Chairman Murat Cebecioglu opened the event by warning of unprecedented protectionism, escalating duties, and rising uncertainty, which has left markets disoriented and competition at near-maximum levels.

Jens Björkman, chairman of the raw material suppliers committee, stated that although the EU steel industry began the year on a positive note, production remained low in the first quarter. He expects the new German government to reduce market uncertainty and support growth. However, he warned that the EU’s green transition is likely delayed until at least 2030. Many mills are set to shift from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces over the next five to ten years, creating uneven scrap demand. Björkman also cautioned that proposed scrap export restrictions could strain the industry and complicate trade within the EU.

IREPAS Chairman Murat Cebecioglu emphasized that tariff uncertainty is making conducting business nearly impossible. He pointed to China’s weak domestic market and low-priced exports as key factors pressuring global prices. With overcapacity in the GCC, exports to the EU and North Africa are expected to continue unless local infrastructure demand rises significantly.