thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel will suspend operations at its Isbergues facility in France from June through September 2026. This decision was due to a surge in cheap grain-oriented electrical steel imports that now command more than half of the European market.

Import volumes have tripled since 2022, causing severe underutilization of local factories. Angelo di Martino, CEO of thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel, described the situation as a "ruinous flood," saying that the temporary closure is essential to stabilize the firm as orders continue to drop.

Currently, the company is consulting with the European Commission to request trade safeguards. These measures aim to restore fair competition against foreign products manufactured at costs significantly below those found within the EU.