Finance
Thyssenkrupp Extends Production Cut in France, Blames Imports
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 26, 2026
1 min readLast updated: March 26, 2026
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Thyssenkrupp will fully suspend production at its Isbergues site in northern France from June through September, with 1,200 jobs in France and Germany at risk, blaming a surge in low‑priced imports that EU protections haven’t yet addressed.
Thyssenkrupp Extends Isbergues Steel Production Cut as EU Faces Import Pressures
Thyssenkrupp's Response to Steel Import Challenges
Production Cuts and Job Risks
March 26 (Reuters) - German steel company Thyssenkrupp announced on Thursday that it will extend production cuts at its site in Isbergues in northern France, citing a "ruinous flood of imports" coming to Europe.
The company said production would be shut down completely from June to September, putting 1,200 jobs at risk in Germany and France.
Current Operating Capacity
The site has been operating at half capacity since January, the company said, adding that the European market for grain-oriented electrical steel is under severe pressure.
Market Pressures and Regulatory Response
Role of Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel
Grain-oriented electrical steel is a key material used in power grids. Imports are not covered by EU plans to cut tariff-free steel import quotas by almost half and impose a 50% duty for excess shipments.
EU Policy and Safeguard Measures
Thyssenkrupp on Thursday said that it is engaged in talks with the European Commission and hopes for the prompt introduction of effective safeguards for workers.
(Reporting by Simon Ferdinand Eibach, editing by Friederike Heine and Thomas Seythal)
Key Takeaways
- •Production at Isbergues will be completely halted from June to September, following a period at half capacity starting January (steelorbis.com).
- •The decision puts roughly 1,200 jobs in Germany and France in jeopardy (thyssenkrupp-steel.com).
- •Thyssenkrupp cites a sharp rise in inexpensive imports from Asia putting severe pressure on Europe’s grain‑oriented electrical steel market, and is engaged with EU authorities seeking stronger safeguard measures (such as reduced quotas and higher tariffs) (steelorbis.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Thyssenkrupp extends production cut in France, blames imports
1Why is Thyssenkrupp extending production cuts in France?
Thyssenkrupp is extending production cuts at its Isbergues site due to a surge of steel imports flooding the European market.
2How long will the Thyssenkrupp production shutdown last?
Production at the Isbergues site will be shut down completely from June to September.
3How many jobs are at risk due to the production cut?
Around 1,200 jobs in Germany and France are at risk because of the extended production cuts.
4What type of steel is affected by the current market conditions?
The European market for grain-oriented electrical steel, used in power grids, is under severe pressure.
5Are steel imports covered by the EU quota and tariffs?
The imports impacting Thyssenkrupp are not covered by current EU plans to cut tariff-free import quotas and impose duties for excess shipments.
