Voestalpine in the danger zone: US tariffs threaten jobs!

Voestalpine in the danger zone: US tariffs threaten jobs!

The Voestalpine faces challenging times. In particular, the significant import duties of the United States on steel and aluminum that have come into force since Wednesday are a challenge. The tariffs were doubled from 25 to 50 percent, which triggers concerns about future business development with CEO Herbert Eibensteiner. Despite these uncertainties, Voestalpine looks back on a solid balance for the past financial year, but with a decline in sales and profits cannot hide the pressure on the company. The turnover decreased by one billion euros to EUR 15.7 billion, while the profit fell to 178.6 million euros, as [trend.at] (https://www.trend.at/news/voestalpine-nach-nach-gefruck- against-us-zolle) reported.

The high dependence on the USA is a real problem, according to Eibensteiner. Voestalpine already produces over 50 percent of sales locally in the United States, which is particularly important for the locations in Kapfenberg and Kindberg in Styria. The additional tariffs could not only affect demand within the United States, but also put massive pressure on sales. The group expects loads in the medium to high double -digit million range. In this context, Eibensteiner calls for accelerated negotiations of the EU with the United States to get a quick solution, because these uncertainties significantly burden the business, according to the Kurier.at.

corporate strategy and industry development

voestalpine has developed a certain advantage in a difficult market environment through strategic adjustments. In the area of ​​rail infrastructure, aviation and warehouse technology in particular, the company had positive developments. Nevertheless, the negative trends in the automotive industry and mechanical engineering are noticeable, where the decline in sales and profit has already developed a noticeable dynamic. Smaller locations and sub -closures meant that 700 jobs had to be broken down in Germany, while 1,930 jobs worldwide fell. In Austria alone, 250 jobs in Kapfenberg and 50 to 60 at Rotec in Krieglach were affected, as the figures from [trend.at] (https://www.trend.at/news/voestalpine-timmt-nach-chmentruck- against-tin-zolle) prove.

The voestalpine is not only in this crisis. The steel industry in Germany is also severely affected by the US custom. Industries such as Thyssenkrupp and Salzgitter, which direct a large part of their exports to the United States, feel the effects dramatically. According to current analyzes, German steel production could endanger up to 40,000 jobs because tariffs result in higher import costs. This has potentially far -reaching economic consequences, not only for direct steel production, but also for downstream industries such as mechanical engineering and the automotive industry, so [life-in-germany.de] (https://life-in-germany.de/bedeutung-der-stahlzoelle-fuer-deutschland-umfang-und- released

look into the future

A ray of hope could be the planned commissioning of electric laying stoves in Linz and Donawitz by 2027, with investments in sustainable steel production of up to 1.5 billion euros. The first orders for green steel have already been received, and you are planning to deliver around 90,000 tons to Great Britain from 2027/28. With an outlook on the 2025/26 financial year, Voestalpine expects stabilization and light upward development in the EBIT area with a forecast between 1.4 and 1.55 billion euros without ignoring the existing challenges.

All in all, the situation for the Voestalpine and the entire industry remains tense. The coming weeks will show whether the EU and the USA can find a common denominator that takes the pressure from the company and set the course for long -term stability.