Manufacturers warn Government over UK steel import tariffs

The UK Government has been forced to respond to a petition (Urgently review & adjust steel import quota & tariff changes – effective 01/07) that surpassed the 10,000-signature threshold, calling for an urgent review.

Dynamic Metals, backed by manufacturers across the UK’s aerospace, defence, motorsport, energy and engineering sectors, argue that while protecting UK steelmaking is vital, the current legislation is unintentionally harming British manufacturing.

The measures restrict access to specialist steel grades that are not produced, approved or supplied at scale by UK mills, despite being essential for manufacturing critical components used in jet engines, drones, missile and defence systems, wind turbines and other advanced engineering applications.

Jobs at risk

For many manufacturers, switching supplier is not an option. Strict technical approvals, customer specifications and certification requirements mean qualifying an alternative steel source can take several years at great expense.

Manufacturers warn that reduced access to these specialist materials at competitive prices will increase production costs, delay projects, affect investment decisions and encourage customers to move sourcing and production overseas. These tariffs are also putting highly skilled UK manufacturing jobs at risk at a time when unemployment has risen to 5%, with 1.76 million people now out of work.

Dynamic Metals is calling on Government to work with both steel producers and downstream manufacturers to ensure steel safeguard measures support the entire UK industrial base, rather than unintentionally disadvantaging businesses that supply or rely on specialist steels unavailable from domestic sources.

Time is of the essence

The new measures come at a time when manufacturers are already facing sustained pressure from rising energy, labour and material costs. Additional tariffs risk further eroding the competitiveness of British manufacturers in global markets.

Alex Bailey, Director of Dynamic Metals Ltd, said: “We all want to protect the UK steel industry, nobody disputes that. But we also need practical policy that reflects the realities of modern manufacturing.

“Reaching 10,000 signatures shows this isn’t the concern of one business; it’s an issue affecting manufacturers up and down the country. The Government can still address this policy, which is creating unintended consequences across the manufacturing supply chain.

“We are ready to work with ministers to find a balanced solution that protects UK steelmaking while safeguarding skilled jobs, investment and Britain’s industrial future.”

The urgency of this issue is already being recognised across Parliament, with engagement from the Business and Trade Select Committee, as well as the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties. Dynamic Metals is urging Government to follow this lead.

Dynamic Metals is a specialist steel supplier supporting manufacturers across the energy, aerospace, defence, automotive and wider advanced engineering sectors.