Germany's steel industry produced just 34.1 million metric tons of crude steel in 2025, one of its lowest outputs in decades. The German Steel Federation WV Stahl calls this a historic turning point, driven by weak demand, surging imports, and high energy costs. A climate-neutral steel sector could cut Germany's annual carbon emissions by up to fifty million metric tons. But stronger trade protection, lower electricity prices, and tighter carbon border rules are urgently needed to make the green transition viable