European steel and metal industry leaders have warned that Europe risks losing 13 million direct jobs and entering an 'accelerated process of deindustrialisation' unless value chains are protected. The Portuguese Association of Steel, Metal and Tool Wholesalers (Açomefer) and the European Federation of Steel, Tube and Metal Distribution and Trading (Eurometal) are calling on the EU and national governments for immediate trade measures, including tariffs, to stabilise the market. The sector argues that without a competitive global framework and energy cost reductions, the continent faces social instability and increased dependence on third-party countries.