About
Who we are
The European Steel Processors Association (ESPA) AISBL is the unified platform of steel processors and rerollers in Europe, representing their collective interests.
Established in 2022 in response to growing structural challenges, including trade developments, safeguard measures and the introduction of CBAM, ESPA ensures that the specific realities and competitiveness concerns of European rerollers and steel processors are reflected in EU policymaking.
Together, the steel rerolling and processing industries represent a dynamic and indispensable part of the EU’s steel sector, driving economic growth, fostering employment, and contributing to a sustainable future.
The European Steel Processors Association is recorded in the EU transparency register: 450344351784-66
Our mission
ESPA works to shape a fair, predictable and competitive regulatory environment that enables European steel processors to operate with confidence.
ESPA advocates for proportionate trade, climate and industrial policies that safeguard the viability of steel processors’ operations while strengthening the resilience of the European steel value chain. ESPA is also committed to implementing sustainable processes and reducing the environmental impact of steel production. This aligns with the EU’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Our business model
Steel processors operate on a business model centered on importing, processing, and adding value to steel products before they are supplied for downstream use.
This model relies on access to steel inputs, including semi-finished products sourced both within the EU and from international markets.
As both importers and producers, rerollers buy semi-finished steel products and add value through rolling and further processing activities. Rerolling increases the added value of the product by up to 50 and 70%.
This model provides increased flexibility in the sector and helps balance the demand and supply of finished steel products in the EU.
Steel processors account for approximately 37% of total EU steel supply, generate between 50% and 70% of the steel value chain’s added value, and support more than 30,000 direct jobs and approximately 150,000 indirect and induced jobs.
Executive Members
