UK Plans to Double Tariffs on Steel Imports

Britain plans to double tariffs on steel imports, according to a report by Politico on Monday, as part of a broader strategy aimed at supporting the country’s struggling steel sector.

Citing two sources familiar with an announcement expected on Thursday, the report said the government is likely to slash import quotas for many products from overseas while raising duties outside those limits to 50%.

If implemented, this measure would bring the UK broadly in line with policies adopted by the European Union and the United States.

A British government spokesperson said it would publish its steel strategy “shortly”, adding that officials had been “crystal clear” in their commitment to a sustainable future for steelmaking and steel jobs in the country.a

The UK steel sector, which supported 37,000 jobs and accounted for 0.1% of total UK economic output in 2024, has been grappling with high energy costs and strong competition from cheaper global imports, particularly from China.

These pressures have contributed to financial troubles for two of the country’s largest steel producers. Tata Steel has already closed two blast furnaces at Port Talbot, while the government had to seize control of British Steel to prevent the shutdown of its Scunthorpe plant under its Chinese owner Jingye.