UK Tightens Steel Import Safeguards to Protect Domestic Industry

The UK government is implementing stronger steel import safeguards to protect its domestic industry from a surge of cheap foreign steel redirected due to US tariffs imposed by President Trump. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds announced reductions in allowable steel import growth from 3% to just 0.1% year-on-year, along with tighter country-specific limits and caps on residual quotas to prevent market flooding and unfair competition. These measures aim to support British steel producers and the communities dependent on them, reinforcing the steel sector's importance to national security and industrial strength. The government’s approach, which rejects more lenient trade watchdog recommendations, mirrors similar EU safeguards and is part of a broader trade strategy to ensure a balanced, competitive market while maintaining reliable supply. UK Steel and industry leaders have welcomed the decisive action, viewing it as crucial to offsetting damage caused by redirected imports following US tariffs. The safeguard regime will remain in place until June 2026, with consultations underway for future trade measures beyond that date.