Analysis of the EU Steel supply chain: current trends and circularity opportunities
Raw Material Information System Brief
This "Science for Policy" Brief has been developed in the context of the Steel and Metal Action Plan [COM(2025) 125].
It aims to provide a quantified overview of the current state of the EU steel supply chain, along with forward-looking projections, with a particular focus on circularity opportunities and the valorisation of ferrous scrap.
Key findings include:
→ Despite a 20% decrease in steel production between 2018 and 2024, the EU remains a key global player, with substantial production capacity and strong industrial capabilities.
→ The EU steel supply chain is heavily import-dependent, with approximately 75% of iron ore and coking coal sourced from outside the EU, underscoring the urgency of improving supply security.
→ Facilitating access to high-quality ferrous scrap is critical to enhance circularity, reduce resource leakage, and strengthen the sector’s resilience, while contributing to its essential decarbonisation.
MAURY Thibaut;
TORRES DE MATOS Cristina;
BLANCO PEREZ Sara;
ARCIPOWSKA Aleksandra;
MOYA Jose;
SALA Serenella;
MATHIEUX Fabrice;
2025-06-16
European Commission
JRC142660
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC142660,
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