Voestalpine AG provided earnings guidance for the first half of year 2018/19. For the period, the company expects an EBIT of just under EUR 1 billion. This is due in particular to the following factors: Negative effects and distortions of international trade flows from the ever- increasing number of protectionist trade policies used by a large number of countries; Distortions in the automotive sector which, inter alia, in Europe have been triggered by a new exhaust emission test procedure (WLTP) as of September 1, 2018, and related uncertainties; Increased costs from the ramp-up of automotive activities in North America; Unplanned shutdowns of the HBI plant in Texas, mainly as a result of flooding and a gas pipe break; Increasing logistical challenges with inbound and outbound freights triggered by low water levels on European waterways.