The European market for grain-oriented electrical steel is under pressure due to increases in import volumes at below average production costs in the EU. Imports have tripled since 2022 and rose 50% more in 2025, now estimated to make up over 50% of the European market volume, the company said. This has led to underutilization of European production facilities.

“In view of the ruinous flood of imports in the market for grain-oriented electrical steel, we see no alternative but to temporarily shut down our French site once again. This measure is necessary to stabilize our company amid further deterioration in order intake,” said Angelo di Martino, chief executive officer of thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel. 

Martino went on to say the company is in discussions with the European Commission in the hopes of introducing safeguards to establish a more competitive market.