The ongoing trade dispute between the EU and the USA has negatively impacted the Gerlafingen steelworks, which is part of the Italian Beltrame Group. In July, the EU announced that it would allow imports of Swiss steel again, but this has not been enough to save Stahl Gerlafingen from its struggles.
Since July 2023, quarterly quotas for duty-free imports have been dominated by four countries, leaving no space for Swiss exports to the EU. This has led to a significant decrease in Swiss steel exports to the EU in the affected category. The closure of one of its production lines remains in place, and there is no guarantee that Stahl Gerlafingen will be able to consistently export to the EU again.
Switzerland has accused Brussels of violating the free trade agreement and has raised concerns with the EU about its actions. However, there is still uncertainty around whether quotas for individual states in the affected product category will be capped at 15 percent of the total quota from July, as promised by the EU. If other countries quickly use up these newly available quotas, it could leave no room for Swiss exports to reach their intended destination.
The Swiss steel industry is calling for state support and has even proposed motions in parliament under emergency law to save plants like Stahl Gerlafingen if necessary. The industry has criticized the EU’s subsidies as distorting competition. Despite recent promises from
