Posted on 27 Feb 2023
Tata Steel Nederland is experiencing severe disruptions during the revamp works of cold rolling mill No. 21 at its IJmuiden steelworks in the Netherlands. The steelmaker has been obliged to invoke Force Majeure, it tells Kallanish.
The upgrade that started in August last year aimed at improving the surface quality and gauge control, as well as a wider dimensional window for its high-strength steels. “However, severe and unforeseeable challenges have led to an extended commissioning phase, putting extreme pressure on the IJmuiden supply chain,” a note explains.
The company has informed its customers it will not be able to fulfil its delivery obligations and says it will continue to try and minimise disruption to customers’ operations.
US permits some EV charging station waivers
The United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration is temporarily waiving Buy America requirements for electric vehicle charger construction materials, including steel, Kallanish understands from the Federal Register.
The waiver allows EV charging station projects using federal funds to continue, the thought being that delaying the EV projects due to Made in America construction requirements for the steel and iron components would work against the public’s best interest.
“This short-term, temporary waiver enables EV charger acquisition and installation to immediately proceed while also ensuring the application of Buy America to EV chargers by the phasing out of the waiver over time," says the FHWA plan.
The plan adds that "at all phases, EV charger housing components that are predominantly steel and iron are excluded from the waiver and must meet current FHWA Buy America requirements.”
The American Iron and Steel Institute, Steel Manufacturers Association, and the United Steelworkers have expressed opposition to the waiver.
Source:Kallanish
