Members of the German ruling coalition call for stronger protection of the EU steel industry
According to Reuters, members of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), a member of the German ruling coalition, plan to push the EU to adopt a more protective trade stance, calling for a "Made in Europe" policy for the European steel industry. German manufacturing and regulatory authorities are increasingly concerned about competition from countries such as China, and the SPD also recommends stricter control over steel imports from Russia.
Reuters disclosed on Saturday, October 4, that German government documents showed that the SPD, led by Finance Minister Christian Lindner, is expected to officially approve this proposal next week. The proposal calls on the European Commission to develop a "strong trade protection strategy" to address pressure from subsidized foreign competitors.
The document states, "The core measures should be the establishment of a tariff quota system to effectively limit excessive imports while maintaining an open and controllable market."
These proposals may be included on the agenda of this month's "Steel Summit"
These proposals are expected to be included on the agenda of the "Steel Summit" convened by conservative Prime Minister Merkel. The meeting will take place this month, during which German steel producers, state governments, and union representatives will jointly examine industry support programs. It remains unclear to what extent the SPD's proposal will be adopted.
Germany's shift in position sparks discussion on trade protectionism
For a long time, most German political parties have opposed trade protectionism. Over the past two decades, Germany has been a major beneficiary of the global low-tariff and free trade system. However, in recent years, German manufacturing and regulatory authorities have become increasingly concerned about competition from countries such as China, as well as the market distortions caused by U.S. tariffs.
The SPD stated in the document, "We cannot watch our domestic industrial chains disappear just because international rules have failed." The document also emphasized, "This is not protectionism, but rather to maintain the principles of fair competition and European strategic interests."
Call for stricter control over Russian steel imports
The SPD also called on the EU to further strengthen oversight of Russian steel imports, including measures to prevent Russian steel from entering the European market through Turkey.
The party has suffered significant losses of votes in traditional industrial regions in Germany, with some voters turning to far-right parties. Analysts believe that the SPD's new stance also reflects its attempt to respond to economic and political pressures from deindustrialization.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845110036221959/
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