The United Kingdom will significantly reduce steel import quotas

The British government has announced its new strategy to protect the steel industry, according to The Guardian.

The country’s Minister for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, announced the new protective measures during a visit to the Tata Steel plant in Port Talbot.

Starting July 1 of this year, steel import quotas will be reduced by 60% compared to current agreements, and tariffs on imports exceeding the quota will increase from 25% to 50%.

According to Kyle, this is a very stringent set of protective measures designed to counter unfair competitive practices elsewhere that do not create a level playing field for British steel. The new strategy will be aligned with investments in the transition to “green” steel, as well as in other areas that will ensure domestic production meets the highest global standards.

The current UK steel safeguard measures expire on July 1, 2026.

This move follows similar steps by the EU, the US, and Canada. As part of its broader strategy, the UK government aims to increase domestic production so that it can meet up to 50% of domestic steel demand, compared to 30% currently; however, no timeline has been set for achieving this target.

The National Prosperity Fund will be the primary mechanism for financing investments in the steel sector, up to £2.5 billion.

Gareth Stace, CEO of UK Steel, stated that the UK has lacked a coherent plan for steel for too long, according to the BBC.

“This is a crucial moment: with global markets distorted by overcapacity and subsidy, a clear and ambitious domestic strategy is exactly what is required to ensure steelmaking not only survives in the UK but thrives,” he noted.

The GMB union welcomed the announcement but said it was awaiting details, adding that issues regarding ownership of the Scunthorpe plant and the future integration of technologies would be key for its members.

Recall that in February, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan called on the British government to take urgent action to support the steel industry. She noted that Port Talbot’s transition to electric arc furnace production faces uncertainty regarding trade measures. Currently, the country’s steel industry faces challenges such as high energy costs, global overcapacity, and rising trade barriers.