ArcelorMittal plans Duisburg steel plant closures and 550 job cuts

ArcelorMittal has announced plans to cease primary steel production at its Duisburg site in Germany, a move that could result in the loss of approximately 550 jobs. The proposed closures affect the steelworks, the continuous casting plant, and the bloom rolling mill. The decision is currently subject to approval by the company's supervisory board.

The company stated that intensive reviews of various supply and future scenarios determined that none of the investigated options were economically viable. This includes the inability to secure profitable new sources of pig iron or the feasibility of converting production to an electric arc furnace.

The shutdown is driven by the expiration of a long-standing supply contract with Thyssenkrupp Steel, which has provided liquid pig iron to the Duisburg plant since 1997. ArcelorMittal previously terminated this contract, citing rising CO2 costs. While primary production is slated to end, the wire rod mill is expected to remain operational after October 2027, sourcing semi-finished products from other ArcelorMittal locations and external suppliers to maintain the site's long-term presence.