Speaking at the 2025 edition of Made in Steel, Giuseppe Pasini, chairman of Feralpi Group and president of Confindustria Lombardia, delivered a pointed critique of European industrial policy while affirming the strength of Italy’s steel sector.
During a panel titled “Market and beyond: trends and prospects for steel and carbon,” Pasini emphasized growing uncertainty in the steel market, flaws in EU regulation, and the urgent need for a more aggressive transition to green steel production.
Market Holding in Italy, but Risks Persist
“Talking about the market right now is not easy,” Pasini said, citing volatility in construction steels. He credited Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan for keeping domestic consumption afloat through 2024 and early 2025, despite a clear downturn in residential construction driven by the end of the 110% bonus and high interest rates.
He also pointed to structural weaknesses in Germany, calling it a country “in need of massive infrastructure investment after years of stagnation,” and referenced proposed funding of €1 trillion for defense, infrastructure, and digitalization as a possible boost for the steel sector—if properly managed.
Meanwhile, EUROFER forecasts slight stabilization in steel demand by the second half of 2025, though mounting import pressure from China remains a growing concern. “China is entering our markets in force,” Pasini warned, “especially as trade flows become more regionalized.”
Green Transition and Scrap Export: Europe’s Missed Opportunities
Pasini reserved his strongest criticism for the European Steel Action Plan, calling it “extremely timid.” He argued that ferrous scrap exports must be curbed if the EU is serious about green steel. “We export 18 million tonnes annually—60% to Turkey—and then talk about reducing emissions? That’s a contradiction,” he said.
Pasini underlined Italy’s leadership in decarbonized steel production, noting that 90% of Italian steel is produced using electric arc furnaces. “We are the most sustainable steelmaking industry in Europe,” he stated, adding that financial and shipping lobbies too often overpower industrial interests.
Feralpi Launches FERGreen Platform
To demonstrate industry-led climate action, Pasini unveiled FERGreen, a strategic platform by Feralpi Group to consolidate its sustainability initiatives. The plan includes investments in advanced plants, digitalization, by-product recovery, and alternative energy, positioning the company as a leader in circular economy and carbon footprint reduction.
Call to Defend European Manufacturing
Pasini issued a stark warning on the broader industrial landscape: “Europe has forgotten its industrial roots,” he said, criticizing what he sees as a shift toward a financialized economic model. He called for energy cost relief for green electric steel plants, which currently face the highest energy prices in the EU.
“This is not about protectionism, but fairness,” he argued. “We’re no longer competitive outside Europe—raw material, scrap, and energy costs are penalizing us too heavily.”
Italian Steel: A Story of Resilience
Despite the challenges, Pasini expressed confidence in Italian steel producers, praising their innovation and adaptability. “Our entrepreneurs and workforce are a tremendous asset,” he said, concluding with a call for collective responsibility:
“Steel is not just a raw material—it is culture, competence, and future. And its beauty lies in resilience.”
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