Merz Urges Steel Industry Safeguards Following Chancellery Summit
Berlin – following discussions at the Chancellery today,November 6,2025,Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader friedrich Merz advocated for stronger protections for Germany’s domestic steel industry,citing unfair competition and the financial burden of transitioning to green energy production.federal Finance minister Lars Klingbeil underscored the need for a firm stance, stating, “In the end we can’t be the stupid ones.”
The summit addressed growing concerns within the German steel sector, which is facing pressure from inexpensive imports, particularly from Asia, and challenges posed by tariffs implemented by the United States. Simultaneously, the industry is grappling with the substantial costs associated with decarbonizing its highly energy-intensive manufacturing processes. These converging factors threaten the viability of German steel producers and potentially impact employment across the nation.
Klingbeil identified the debate surrounding industry protection as the central focus of the talks. While acknowledging the importance of rules-based international trade, he emphasized the necessity of safeguarding German economic interests. The situation demands a strategic response to ensure the german steel industry remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
