Metal Packaging Europe has acknowledged the entry into force of the Regulation addressing the negative effects of global overcapacity on the Union steel market. In a statement on its website, the organisation commented:

“A swift, evidence-based review of the impact on downstream industries, including steel packaging and components, is essential.

“Europe needs a strong steel value chain. MPE supports EU action to ensure fair competition and strengthen industrial resilience, and downstream steel users must not be overlooked. Manufacturers of rigid steel packaging and components depend on secure, competitive access to steel.

“The measure must work for the whole industrial ecosystem. If European downstream manufacturers face higher input costs while competitors outside the EU access cheaper steel and export finished goods into the European market, Europe risks strengthening one part of the chain while exposing another.

“MPE therefore welcomes the commitment to assess downstream impacts and extend the scope to derivatives. MPE calls for this process to move forward swiftly to support the resilience of steel packaging manufacturing in Europe.

“MPE members are ready to support the European Commission’s evaluation and the potential extension of the Regulation to steel packaging and components. MPE looks forward to continued constructive dialogue with European Institutions.”