The UK government will double import tariffs on non-quota steel products to 50% starting 1 July 2026, Business Secretary Peter Kyle announced on 19 March, unveiling a long-awaited National Steel Strategy designed to rescue the country’s struggling domestic industry from collapse. The move aligns the UK with the EU and US, which have both moved to strengthen trade defenses against low-cost imports, mostly from China and Southeast Asia.
Under the new rules, out-of-quota steel imports—including hot-rolled coil, cold-rolled coil, rebar, wire rod, and sections—will face a 50% tariff, up from the current 25%. Tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) will remain in place for historical import volumes, but will be reduced by 20% compared to 2025 levels to further limit cheap foreign supply. The government estimates the measures will protect around 15,000 direct steel jobs and support 50,000 indirect roles in supply chains.
Alongside tariffs, the strategy commits £2.5 billion in public funding over eight years to support the UK steel sector’s green transition, including grants for converting coal-fired blast furnaces to low-emission electric arc furnace (EAF) technology. Funding will also support research into hydrogen-based steelmaking and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) for remaining primary steelmaking sites.
The UK currently meets just 30% of its steel demand from domestic production, one of the lowest self-sufficiency rates in Europe. The strategy sets a target to lift this to 40–50% by the early 2030s. “This is a decisive plan to save our steel industry and rebuild it as a world leader in green steel,” Kyle said during a visit to Tata Steel’s Port Talbot plant in Wales. “Without action, we risk losing our last major primary steel facilities and becoming completely dependent on imports.”
UK Steel, the industry trade body, welcomed the announcement as “vital and long overdue.” However, some manufacturing groups warned that higher tariffs could increase input costs for construction, automotive, and engineering sectors. The government said it would monitor price impacts and offer targeted support for steel-intensive industries if needed.
