President Joe Biden announced on January 3 that he is blocking the nearly $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel, citing national security concerns and the importance of maintaining a strong domestic steel industry. This decision, which…
The Swiss National Council and Council of States have agreed to provide financial assistance to struggling steelworks in Switzerland, including reductions in electricity network usage fees. The decision aims to prevent job cuts at companies like Swiss Steel and Stahl…
In a recent interview, Christian Imark, a member of the Swiss National Council representing the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), defends state support for the steel plant in Gerlafingen, a move criticized by some of his party members. He highlights the…
The Swiss National Council has approved a law to create a legal basis for electricity reserves, particularly aimed at supporting struggling aluminum and steel manufacturers. While proponents argue for its necessity citing strategic economic importance, critics, including members of the…
For decades, Switzerland has maintained a strict non-intervention policy in its economy, leaving struggling industries to fend for themselves. However, a coalition in the National Council has recognized the strategic importance of the last two Swiss steelworks and an aluminum…
The future of Gerlafingen’s steel industry hangs in the balance as the National Council debates reducing electricity prices for steelworks amid rising energy costs and export challenges. With Swiss Steel and Gerlafingen Steelworks planning to cut over 250 jobs, employees…
The UK government is moving towards nationalizing its railways, starting with Southwestern Railways in May 2025, marking a significant shift from previous privatization efforts in the 1980s under Margaret Thatcher. Coupled with this, discussions are underway about nationalizing the steel…
Stefan Brupbacher, director of Swissmem, has firmly rejected the notion of state support for the steel industry, arguing that it is not systemically relevant. In an interview, he emphasized that subsidies are expensive and ineffective in the long run, suggesting…
The Gerlafingen steelworks in Switzerland has decided to postpone the planned layoffs of 120 employees, opting instead for short-time work as it awaits further political decisions regarding support for the steel industry. This follows recent discussions in the Swiss National…
A bipartisan alliance comprising the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) and the Social Democratic Party (SP) is advocating for relief measures to support the Swiss steel industry. National Council members Christian Imark and Roger Nordmann propose a motion that would reduce…
Swiss Steel is set to cut 800 jobs, including 130 in Switzerland, due to falling demand, particularly from the struggling German automotive industry. The company’s CEO, Frank Koch, acknowledged misjudgments in their outlook, exacerbated by high energy costs needed for…
Around 1,000 demonstrators gathered in front of the Gerlafingen steel mill in Solothurn to protest its impending closure. The crowd called for immediate political intervention to preserve the mill and safeguard jobs. Union representatives from Unia, Syna, and others stressed…
