Steel trade measures
We are seeking views on using trade measures to provide ongoing protection for the UK steel industry following the expiry of the steel safeguard in June 2026.
The UK currently applies a global safeguard measure on certain steel products to address the issue of global steel overcapacity and unfair trade practices. The safeguard covers 14 steel product categories with tariff rate quotas (TRQs) that impose a 25% tariff on imports exceeding the quota volumes.
This measure is intended to protect the domestic steel industry from import surges and provide time to adapt to new trading patterns. This safeguard is due to expire in June 2026 in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. However, the UK steel industry faces a challenging global trading landscape due to significant steel overcapacity.
In this context, we recognise the need to maintain protection for this critical industry after the safeguard’s expiry to:
- protect national interests
- promote fair competition
- support growth in the steel sector
We are therefore seeking stakeholder views through this call for evidence on future trade measure options.
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