Steel industry in call for global measures to compete with China
STEEL INDUSTRY leaders are calling on the Government to agree global measures to reverse the rapid expansion of Chinese steelmaking capacity, the chief cause of the crisis which has seen the loss of one in six jobs in the UK sector.
A meeting in Paris this week of governments to discuss the steel industry should decide to take action collectively, rather than a divided and uncoordinated approach, it was urged.
Delivering a long term, global solution to the overcapacity of steel is vital to the long term health of the UK steel sector, employers and unions said.
Gareth Stace, the director of trade group UK Steel, said: “As the UK steel sector comes out of crisis, we need to do all we can to ensure we don’t return to those dark days. Dedicated, hardworking and highly skilled steel workers deserve more than this. We have a sector here in the UK with a strong, bright and positive vision for the future.”
Roy Rickhuss, the General Secretary of steelworkers’ union Community, added: “There are signs the UK steel industry is turning a corner but we are not out of the woods yet.
“If we are to succeed in this global marketplace then our Government needs to back us all the way at home and abroad.
“Global overcapacity is a major factor behind the steel crisis and has already cost us thousands of jobs.
“Without concrete action to tackle overcapacity, particularly in China, there is a very real risk of more and worse pain to come.”
A Government spokesman stressed efforts are underway to secure a “sustainable future” for the UK steel industry.
The spokesman added: “We’re working with the EU and G20 partners to find a global solution to overcapacity, including introducing trade defence instruments to protect UK steel producers from unfair steel dumping.
“As part of our industrial strategy we have invited the steel sector to propose a sector deal which can deliver long-term growth.
“We will continue to engage with the sector, the unions, the devolved nations and our international partners to secure a long-term viable future for the industry.”