- Isbergues plant will be fully shut from June to September after running at 50% capacity since January.
- Imports of grain-oriented electrical steel tripled since 2022, rose 50% in 2025 and now exceed 50% of the EU market.
- Approximately 1,200 jobs in Germany and France are at risk due to reduced orders and underutilised capacity.
- Global demand for grain-oriented electrical steel is forecast to triple by 2050; the material is essential for transformers and wind turbines.
Production update
thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel will fully close its Isbergues plant from June to September after operating at about 50% capacity since January; a temporary shutdown at Gelsenkirchen also occurred at the turn of the year and customer supply is maintained.
Market pressure
Imports of grain-oriented electrical steel have tripled since 2022, rose a further 50% in 2025 and now represent over 50% of the European market, with many imports priced below EU production costs, driving order declines and underutilised local capacity.
Material role
Grain-oriented electrical steel is essential for transformers and wind turbines and requires advanced processes to produce top grades; market studies forecast global demand could triple by 2050.
Jobs and policy response
Approximately 1,200 jobs in Germany and France are at risk due to reduced orders; the company is urging urgent trade defence measures and engaging with the European Commission.
