UK Government’s Steel Quotas – Statement

The Government has announced finalised quotas for the steel trade measure, which will be implemented on July 1.

At current, the UK steel industry is suffering amid global overcapacity and lower cost imports – the newly announced tariffs and quotas aim to address this.

Community General Secretary Roy Rickhuss CBE said:

“Community recognises the Government has faced complex challenges delivering these trade measures intended to protect the UK steel industry.

“While the final decision on quotas marks a significant improvement from previous safeguards, it is disappointing to see a reduction in the ambitions set out by ministers earlier this year.

“These trade measures will make an important contribution to protect domestic steelworks from cheap and unfairly-traded imports. However, producers raise valid concerns that what has been announced today will not be enough to address the consequences of global overcapacity.

“It is vital that the trade measures are kept under close review and the Government must stand ready to tighten the quotas where necessary to protect UK steelmaking.”