On 10 April, Glass for Europe Secretary General, Bertrand Cazes, participated in a high-level discussion with European Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Director General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Kerstin Jorna on the impact of rising U.S. tariffs. Bertrand Cazes attended the meeting on behalf of Glass Alliance Europe as active Secretary general.
The event was an opportunity to share insights on the potential implications of evolving EU trade policies on the glass and glazing industry. Mr Cazes highlighted three cumulative threats stemming from the ongoing escalation of tariffs:
- Loss of a Key Export Market
The U.S. represents a high-value market for European flat glass products. Such goods are not easily reoriented toward alternative markets. - Market Redirection Risks
The potential influx of redirected Asian flat glass products into the EU market could disrupt local producers. - Complex Supply Chain Impacts
The accumulation of tariffs across multi-border supply chains, especially in sectors like automotive, could significantly erode the competitiveness of EU-manufactured glass components and assemblies.
In response to these developments, the industry is urging a two-pronged strategy from the European Union:
- Trade Measures: Bertrand Cazes called for the EU to maintain openness to trade dialogue while preparing safeguard measures for vulnerable flat glass products if needed.
- Competitiveness and Policy Support: Recommendations included accelerating simplification, reducing energy costs (including indirect cost compensation), and providing clarity on the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), carbon leakage protections, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The industry also advocated for strengthened support for local content in public procurement policies.
During the meeting, EVP Séjourné encouraged European businesses to “remain calm and cautious in these unpredictable times.” If this message is heard, Bertrand Cazes emphasised that “This is a crisis moment,” the industry therefore “needs urgency, clarity, and scale in the EU’s response.”
