Slowing steel demand, compared to 2018 trends; regional market segmentation, fostered by tariffs and global protectionism and a climate of general uncertainty in the industry are challenging the Italian and the European steel industry, after two years - 2017-18 - of renewed optimism and good performance. To overcome current difficulties, strong cooperation within the value chain is needed, involving producers and distributors alike, in their respective areas of responsibility.

This was the gist of the opening address of the eighth edition of Made in Steel, starting today at fieramilano Rho (Milano), halls 22 and 24.

Representatives of the steel value chain echoed the call for closer cooperation in order to meet the challenges of the steel industry.

«Future, global and geo-political challenges call for a more comprehensive approach, in order to overcome together the difficulties deriving from the economic conjuncture  – said Riccardo Benso, President of Assofermet -.I am thinking about the “trade war” which is affecting our markets. Tackling problems together will be really exciting».

«The value chain approach  will help us leave this event stronger and more united, because things keep changing in our world (new plants, the need to reduce costs…). But at the end of the day, it is still people who steer the wheel» said Alessandro Banzato, President of Federacciai.