Steel producers across the UK will benefit from stronger trade
measures from 1 July, as the government moves to better protect
domestic industry from unforeseen surges in foreign imports as
part of the Plan for Change.
Following a recommendation from the Trade Remedies Authority
(TRA), the Business Secretary has confirmed the final decision on
the current steel safeguard, taking decisive action in the
national interest to strengthen existing protections against
spikes in foreign imports- delivering on the
Government's commitment to rebuild Britain's industrial
strength.
The changes to the steel safeguard will make the measure more
effective by slowing future increases, capping certain import
levels and tightening country-specific limits- ensuring UK steel
producers won't be undercut while still making sure the UK has a
steady and reliable supply.
They will also strike the right balance between maintaining open
trade and ensuring long-term viability for the UK's steel sector
which remains critical to the economy and to communities across
the country.
This decision builds on the Trade Strategy published last week,
which set out how the UK Government will strengthen its trade
defences to protect key industries like steel, ensuring a fairer
and more secure trading environment.
Business and Trade Secretary said:
“This Government is unapologetic in our support for the UK
steel sector-it underpins Britain's industrial strength, our
national security, and our status as a global power.
“These measures back our producers and the thousands of
families and communities who rely on steel production in the
UK.
“We've taken decisive action to protect the UK market and
level the playing field, and we'll go further with our new Steel
Strategy to build a stronger, more competitive future for British
steel making central to our Plan for Change.”
Today's announcement delivers immediate protection and builds on
the Industrial and Trade Strategies announced last week,
reinforcing the government's commitment to protecting jobs and
securing the long-term success of domestic industry.
This decision sits alongside a call for stakeholder views to
shape the UK's future trade approach to steel after June 2026.
Yet another example of the UK's commitment to strengthened trade
defences.
Notes to editors:
- The steel safeguard Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) review assessed
whether the UK should make changes to its steel safeguard measure
to ensure more effective protection for producers from unforeseen
import surges whilst balancing security of supply.
- The Business and Trade Secretary's decision on the Steel
Safeguard TRQ was informed by stakeholder engagement, legal
analysis, and broader strategic considerations.
- The UK steel industry employs thousands of people in key
manufacturing regions and supports critical supply chains in
construction, automotive, and defence.
- The UK Government is committed to taking effective action to
support a level playing field for domestic industry and will
publish a comprehensive Steel Strategy later this year.
- The current UK steel safeguard measure ends in June 2026 and
cannot be extended. The Call for Evidence launched on 26 June
invites industry views to help shape new, future-ready trade
measures that will protect UK businesses and jobs
nationwide.
- A letter outlining the government's intended decision was
issued to the TRA on 24 June to enable WTO engagement.
