The UK has published details of new protective measures concerning steel

On 25 June, the UK government announced details of new safeguard measures on steel.

From 1 July 2026, the country will restrict duty-free steel imports by reducing the total quota volumes by 51 per cent, which is less than the 60 per cent proposed in March. The total quota will amount to approximately 3.2 million tonnes. Imports exceeding these levels will be subject to a 50 per cent tariff.

The safeguard measures will apply to imports of steel products that can be manufactured in the UK.

The new regulation provides for a temporary transitional arrangement. Under this arrangement, relevant goods for which contracts were concluded before 14 March 2026 will be fully exempt from the 50 per cent tariff outside the quota during the period from 1 July to 30 September 2026.

Unused quotas will be carried over to the following quarter, but not to the next quota year.

Meanwhile, as reported by The Guardian, the government will exempt producers using 11 specific types of steel products from tariffs following complaints from the industry about a lack of alternative supplies.

According to the government’s statement, the new measure will not apply to steel products originating in Ukraine, demonstrating the UK’s continued support in the face of Russian aggression. However, the existing preferential tariff arrangements for trade in steel products between the parties will remain in force, as provided for in the Agreement on Political, Trade and Strategic Partnership with Ukraine. Eligibility for preferential rates is subject to compliance with the preferential rules of origin set out in that document.

According to Reuters, the UK has stated that it has agreed on a coordinated approach with the European Union, which has also taken measures to protect its producers, in order to preserve closely linked supply chains.

It should be recalled that on 24 June, the European Union published a regulation on new safeguard measures concerning steel imports in the Official Journal of the EU.