Eng. Ahmed Ezz, Chairman of the Arab Iron and Steel Union and Chairman of Ezz Steel, emphasized that recent decisions to impose customs tariffs to protect national industries reflect a fundamental shift in the global economic philosophy toward greater protectionism, noting that “the idea of a borderless global village no longer exists.”
In an interview with Al Arabiya Business on the sidelines of the 3rd Saudi International Iron and Steel Conference, Ezz stated that every country has the right to take measures to protect its own industry. He pointed out that former U.S. President Donald Trump, when he imposed tariffs, was exercising this legitimate right to safeguard American industry.
He added that what matters most is not to judge such decisions, but to understand their impact on reshaping global trade flows. The U.S. move, he explained, served as a signal to other countries—such as the European Union—which followed with similar protectionist measures, leading to a worldwide wave of such policies, particularly in the steel sector, which has witnessed around 600 protectionist actions.
Ezz questioned the position of Arab industries in this new global environment, asking: “Will we take similar steps to protect our industries, or remain exposed to global competition?” He stressed that this shift goes beyond the steel industry and represents a redefinition of the entire philosophy of international trade.
He concluded, “We are no longer in a borderless world, but in a new national era where each country protects its industry and redefines its economic interests.”
