The Italian Association of Distributors of Scrap, Raw Materials and Steel (Assofermet) has announced that it has joined the manifesto entitled "Steel is a strategic resource for Italy" prepared by Codacons.
The association stated that it supports the principles and objectives of the manifesto, which aims to bring the steel industry back to the center of Italy's industrial policy.
Assofermet stated that the manifesto makes a significant and tangible contribution to the discussion about the future of Italy's steel industry, noting that the country is at a critical stage in making decisions to ensure the supply of raw materials, maintain the competitiveness of industrial supply systems and support employment.
The manifesto emphasizes that steel is of strategic importance to the Italian economy and key sectors such as automotive, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding and heavy industry. It also says that import dependence should be reduced to increase the sustainability of the supply chain, while emphasizing that this should not negatively affect high-quality and strategic imports that cannot be replaced by European Union products.
The document also notes that Italy still faces a significant shortage of steel supplies, which makes the country's production system vulnerable to fluctuations in the international market, price volatility and risks associated with geopolitical crises. Therefore, it says that the development of a long-term national steel strategy to support investment in manufacturing and strengthen the country's industrial potential should be a priority.
Gianluca Di Ascenzo, president of Codacons, said the manifesto aims to draw the attention of government agencies to the strategic importance of steel for the country, adding that Italy cannot ignore the demand for such fundamental raw materials, which are essential for its industrial supply chains. Di Ascenzo said that Italy needs an industrial policy that balances development, sustainable development and the interests of the public.in the interests of the company, while strengthening domestic production, increasing the reliability of supplies and protecting enterprises and consumers from the effects of international crises and market instability. Welcoming Assofermet's decision to join the manifesto, Di Ascenzo said that it demonstrates that these goals are common to the entire supply chain.
Assofermet also reiterated its support for the approach outlined in the manifesto, stressing that major projects to revitalize the Piombino steel center and Acciaierie d'Italia's production facilities are crucial for the future.