The head of Germany’s second-largest steel producer has expressed concern over the country’s sluggish economic outlook, attributing it to insufficient government action to stimulate growth. Gunnar Groebler, who transitioned from the energy sector in 2021 to lead Salzgitter AG, faces persistent challenges in steering the company through turbulent conditions. n nAs CEO, he is managing the impact of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s metal tariffs, increased competition from low-priced Asian steel flooding European markets, and a spike in energy costs triggered by the conflict in Ukraine. Despite these pressures, Groebler is advancing plans to shift toward low-carbon steel production in alignment with national and EU climate goals. The ongoing structural and geopolitical headwinds, he notes, are contributing to a broadly negative sentiment across German industry. n
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German Steel Boss Sees ‘Really Bad’ Mood Lingering Across Economy
Germany’s new chancellor isn’t doing enough to kickstart growth, says the boss of the country’s No. 2 steelmaker. n nGunnar Groebler left a career in the energy industry in 2021 to take on the challenge of running Salzgitter AG at a time of extreme turmoil. It hasn’t gotten easier. n nAs the chief executive officer of Germany’s second-largest steelmaker, he’s navigating disruption from Donald Trump’s metals tariffs, Asian dumping in Europe and a surge in energy prices following the war in Ukraine. At the same time, he’s pressing ahead with a transition to green steel to meet climate targets.