From May 6 to 8, 2025, representatives of Železiarne Podbrezová participated in the 11th edition of the international trade fair Made in Steel in Milan, Italy. The event, held under the motto “The Beauty of Steel”, served not only as a showcase for the steel industry but also as a forum for strategic discussions on the future of European steelmaking.
This year’s trade fair was the largest in history. A total of 385 exhibitors from 25 countries presented their offerings, representing a 21.4% increase compared to 2023. More than one-third of the participants came from abroad. The expanded exhibition space reached 18,000 m², underlining the importance of steel as a strategic raw material in the shifting global economy.
Strong Presence of Podbrezová
Our company appeared as a stable and innovative player in the field of steel tube manufacturing and distribution. In addition to showcasing our product portfolio and technological solutions, we established numerous new contacts with partners from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Topics such as environmentally friendly production, energy efficiency, and synergy within supply chains resonated in many expert discussions.
European Steelmaking at a Crossroads
Discussions at the exhibition also opened serious questions about the strategic direction of European industry. While energy costs are exerting pressure on production, including metallurgy, other economic sectors are experiencing record profits. Metallurgy stood at the very foundation of the European Union as a cornerstone of the European Coal and Steel Community. Today, however, the sector is under significant strain, and its future remains uncertain. This growing asymmetry calls for systemic responses.
Additionally, the current market situation is marked by global overcapacity in steel production, creating extreme competitive pressures. Although China has reduced its output, domestic consumption has dropped even more dramatically, leading to record exports in 2024.
These excessive exports, often accompanied by unfair trade practices, put pressure on prices and disrupt balance in global markets.
Protectionism on the Rise
The situation is further complicated by growing protectionism. Beyond the well-known tariffs introduced during the Trump administration, other countries are increasingly implementing restrictions. These limitations directly impact steel producers—especially those with fixed contracts and warehoused goods. The closure of the U.S. market distorts trade flows and redirects pressure onto the EU, which now faces serious systemic disruptions.
Fundamental Questions for Europe
The questions currently facing Europe are critical:
Do we want to maintain our own steel production within the European Union?
How will we ensure the development of other sectors, such as the automotive industry, without access to primary raw materials?
How—and can—we regulate energy prices?
And how do we attract the younger generation to technical fields to ensure generational renewal in the industry?
Metallurgy Needs a Shared Vision
Steel, as a fundamental material in modern production chains, has no substitute. Without our own production, Europe risks dependency that could threaten the development of entire industrial sectors. At the exhibition, repeated calls were made for joint European solutions to support competitiveness, regional synergies, and investments in modern technologies. Hence, there is a growing demand for the steel industry to be officially recognized as a strategic sector.
At the event, we had the opportunity to meet and listen to key representatives of our industry, who were seeking ways to coordinate actions and push for concrete measures at the European level. The challenge is clear:
If we want to preserve Europe’s production sovereignty, we must protect its fundamental pillars.
A Positive Signal for the Future
The participation of Železiarne Podbrezová in Made in Steel 2025 in Milan confirmed not only our technological progress but also our determination to remain an active part of the European manufacturing space. We are pleased with the positive feedback from both visitors and partners.
