One of the pillars of Poland’s strategic security is the domestic steel industry’s ability to provide a stable supply of steel to key sectors of the economy, including defense, critical infrastructure, and manufacturing. In their latest report, Krzysztof Bocian and Maciej Bukowski emphasize the urgent need for a national steel industry strategy and present recommendations for supporting this sector effectively.

Poland, with a steel production of 7.1 million tons that only covers about half of its domestic demand of 12.9 million tons, ranks among the world’s countries with the highest import penetration, at 89%, with imports of 11.5 million tons. This high level of dependence on imports weakens the country’s strategic autonomy and increases the risk of supply chain disruptions.

To meet the growing demand driven by the energy transition, infrastructure expansion, and increased defense spending, Poland must strengthen its production capacity and improve the competitiveness of its steel industry.

The regionalization of steel production is becoming increasingly apparent worldwide. Countries are using tariffs, subsidies, tax breaks, and public procurement preferences to protect and prepare their steel industries for future challenges. The steel sector in Poland requires an immediate, coherent, and effective strategy.

Based on analyses and dialogue with the public administration, industry, and civil society, we have identified six key areas requiring action: (1) raw materials and recycling, (2) energy, (3) technologies, (4) investments and financing, (5) legal regulations, and (6) trade and the economic environment.